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Pedestrians to be given priority over motorists at junction
By Amanda Smith
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PEDESTRIANS could be given priority over motorists at a dangerous junction in Bolton town centre.
Highways chiefs at Bolton Council are looking at ways to make the corner of Deansgate and Knowsley Street safer.
News of the proposals comes just weeks after pensioner Anne Knowles died after being hit by a bus at the danger spot.
Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council's executive member for highways, said: "We are looking into a number of ways to make the crossing safer.
"Highways engineers have been to look at the junction to see what can be done.
"One possibility is to make the lights a pedestrian priority. This would mean right-of way for pedestrians, with the lights changing if cars needed to pass.
"We are conscious that we do not want to make any knee-jerk reactions, but are committed to making our roads safer."
Mrs Knowles, aged 78, from Egerton, was knocked down by a bus at the junction on March 14. She was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where she later died.
There have been a number of accidents at the busy junction, including an incident in August 2006 when a 54-year-old woman was struck by a bus.
The impact threw her into a parked car and she suffered serious head injuries.
Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Mrs Knowles death. Bus operator, Rossendale Travel, has launched an internal investigation.
Yesterday, shop workers who branded the junction a death trap following the death of Mrs Knowles welcomed the proposals for pedestrian priority.
Janine Heapy, from Gibsons Half-Price outlet, said: "I would glad to see something done at this junction."
Debbie Conway, from Sweetens Bookshop, said: "The road is very difficulty to cross. I would be very pleased if these changes were made."
Both my sisters and my brother who shop in this market town say this junction is primarily used by buses - given that cars are not that welcome in town centre Bolton given the daft parking fees.
They do agree that buses seem to swing around this junction with the same kind of doo-lally COAST which they use around the Moor Lane Bus Station.
But .. taking this story wider.. ..would a second extra for pedestrians create congestion in the urban centres?
Would it make them safer . or are the authorities seeking to blame all motorists instead of the bus drivers in question here?
And which bus drivers? Were they of east European standard? The ones who never passed a driving test here?
(I think I read the one who hit one pensioner was East European.
. )
It is not at all being "racist" - but I do expect someone who chooses to work and drive a motor vehicle here, make his or her home here and integrate into our society to at least pass the UK standard L-test at the very least.