Pedestrian Punishment Factor reduced at WC crossings

It may be a pathetic little change but at least it's something. The government is looking for a green dividend from coronavirus and is encouraging councils to open road space to pedestrians and cyclists. So WC is reducing the time pedestrians have to wait for the little green man to appear from 30 seconds to 15. There's no reason for any delay except to remind pedestrians of their inferior status, and to give them time to think that they really ought to aspire to be drivers. Here's the announcement:

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"Wiltshire Council is making changes to the time it takes for signal controlled pedestrian crossings to turn to the green man to reduce the amount of time pedestrians are stood at a crossing, and in turn aid social distancing.

At most pedestrian crossings in Wiltshire, it can take up to 30 seconds from the time a pedestrian presses the button on a crossing for the 'safe to cross' green man to appear. However, this time is being reduced to a maximum of 15 seconds so pedestrians don't have to wait so long, particularly in busy places.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "As more people walk and cycle to work and for leisure, it's important we do all we can to aid social distancing, and one of the ways we can do this is to change the times on pedestrian crossings throughout the county to keep people on the move.

"These changes will be rolled out over the next few weeks, starting in the larger urban areas, before moving to crossings in villages and other areas.

"We recognise this may affect traffic flow in certain locations, so we will keep this under review and make changes as necessary."

Meanwhile, the first project to make significant changes to road layouts, to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians, is due to start and be completed in Devizes on Thursday 28 May.

The proposal, which is subject to a road safety audit, will reduce the length of the existing taxi rank, but it will give more pedestrian space and improve visibility as vehicles approach the zebra crossing, and will be kept under review to ensure the change is working effectively."