I have been working with Highways for some time on trying to get the crossing on Main Street upgraded to a signalled crossing, and previously this has not been possible due to the space needed for the equipment that is necessary. However, Highways have now advised as below and I am working with them to identify funding streams to enable this to happen:
"Dear Councillor Anderson,
Thank you for your email.
Historically yes, the adjacent footways had been too narrow to accommodate the wide signal heads but predominantly, the significant size of the traffic signal controller cabinet which is effectively the computer that runs the traffic signals. Even on a basic signal controlled crossing, these are quite substantial in size.
However thanks to the advancement in design of these two aspects, it would now be possible to consider introducing a signal crossing here. The modern signal heads are much narrower, meaning they can be accommodated within the footway and would be set far enough back to not be clipped by passing heavy traffic. Similarly, the controller cabinets have reduced in width meaning that they would not narrow the footways beyond the legal minimum.
It would be desirable to change this crossing to a signal controlled facility, a change that would reduce non-stopping of vehicles as a red light signal is adhered to much more successfully. We will likely struggle to source funding through our own pedestrian crossing budgets, as we will typically prioritise new sites over upgrading existing. However I am looking at local development opportunities to facilitate this upgrade and should we be able to do so, I will of course write back to confirm this."
