Safe Speed Forums

The crux of the matter is that preventing unauthorised vehicles entering the pedestrianised area is not so important that it warrants injuring people, or even damaging property. Whether the bollards are working properly, or drivers are at error, doesn't matter one jot.

That is entirely your opinion. The council might consider personal injury and destruction of property a worthwhile price for ensuring the integrity of the pedestrianised area.

Bollards claim another victim
John Scheerhout

July 31, 2009

MANCHESTER'S infamous bollards have claimed another victim. A £16,000 people carrier was speared on Cross Street in the city centre.

The driver, believed to be in his 50s, was shocked but uninjured following the incident outside Boots.

The front of his almost new grey Citroen Xsara Picasso was destroyed when it hit the rising bollard, sending oil spewing into the road.

The drama was captured by M.E.N. reader Alan Dupre on his handheld mini computer.

IT worker Alan, 38, said: "It wouldn't surprise me if it was a write-off. It depends how much damage was done to the engine.

"When I got there, the AA were already there and they'd put sand down on the oil. I thought 'another one's been impaled!'

The driver was still there and he was looking dazed and confused and embarrassed."

Last week the M.E.N. reported how a Mercedes CLS-class 320 CDI - which retails at £45,950 - suffered extensive damage when it struck a bollard near Albert Square.

Owner Dr Evelyn Yousef, a 57-year-old ophthalmologist from Hale Barns, was checked over by paramedics.

The incident happened as her husband Rida was driving from Albert Square towards the Marks and Spencer store.

Manchester's bollards were installed in 2006 and are supposed to fall automatically when approached by Metroshuttle buses and emergency vehicles, which are fitted with sensors.

A number of cars - plus a bus and even a fire engine - have been damaged in the past when they ran into the bollards as they rose in front of them.

The council points out there are a number of signs in the area warning general motorists not to try to cross the bollards.

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: "Yesterday afternoon an ambulance accessed Cross Street through the bollards.

"It would appear that a car followed the ambulance through the bollards and struck them as they were rising. Engineers attended the site and the bollards were operational again by the evening."

Bollard drivers may end up in court
Don Frame

August 03, 2009

MOTORISTS who crash into Manchester's controversial rising bollards could face court action under a council crackdown.

Two more cars collided with the bollards on Cross Street last week, the latest in a string of vehicles which have been damaged by the barriers.

Prosecute

But city centre spokesman Pat Karney insisted the rising metal poles will stay in place and said Manchester city council planned to prosecute those who crash into them.

'Silly'

Mr Karney also blasted the "silly and selfish" motorists who have crashed into the bollards.

The bollards are designed to allow buses and emergency vehicles through by activating a sensor but they rise again immediately after the vehicle has passed - blocking the way for any cars which are tailgating.

Mr Karney told the MEN: "We've got flashing warnings signs, we have loud audio warnings, and signs clearly saying no tailgating. What part of these warnings to these silly selfish motorists not get?"

He went on: "We are going to be chasing these drivers to make sure they pay for any damage for the bollards, and we are checking to see if we can prosecute under the Road Traffic Act.

'Safety'

"The whole point of the bollards in the city centre is to maximise pedestrian safety on a small stretch of roadway, and we have been successful in making sure there have been no serious incidents involving people on foot.

"There seems to have been some suggestion that the council is reviewing the idea of bollards, but that is not the case. They are definitely going to stay."

Last week the MEN reported how the front of a £16,000 Citroen Xsara Picasso people carrier was extensively damaged when the vehicle hit the metal columns outside Boots on Cross Street, and it could even be an insurance write-off.

A £45,000 Mercedes CLS-class 320 CDI also suffered huge damage when it hit a bollard near Albert Square.

Fire engine

A number of cars - plus a bus and even a fire engine - have been damaged in the past when bollards rose in front of them. They were installed three years ago, and should fall automatically when approached by Metroshuttle buses and emergency vehicles which are fitted with special sensors.

In April the M.E.N. revealed that the city council was facing a £6,000 insurance claim from Greater Manchester Fire Service, after one of its £330,000 fire engines collided with the metal bollards as it returned from carrying out safety checks in the city centre.

The engine which has a hydraulic platform, and was one of just six in the county, was off the road for two weeks undergoing repairs.

Investigation

One fire engine had already passed over the bollards moments before the crash, but the bollards rose as the second machine was about to pass. A subsequent investigation cleared the driver of any blame.

That is entirely your opinion. The council might consider personal injury and destruction of property a worthwhile price for ensuring the integrity of the pedestrianised area.