Latest news with #pedestriancrossing
The Independent
5 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Teenager arrested after woman, 86, killed while ‘using zebra crossing'
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after an 86-year-old woman was allegedly hit by an electric motorbike while she used a pedestrian crossing, police have said. The family of Gloria Stephenson, from Silksworth, Sunderland, has paid tribute after she died on May 16 on the city's Burdon Road. Northumbria Police said it was understood she was using 'a zebra crossing when she was struck by a black Sur-Ron electric motorcycle, travelling in a southbound direction'. Her family said: 'It is with great sadness that our amazing mam, Gloria Stephenson, was tragically killed on the 16th of May. 'We are all devastated at the loss of our vibrant, active, beautiful, and intelligent mam, grandma, mother-in-law and great grandma. 'The press described her as an 'elderly lady' – however, we want to make absolutely clear that our mam was full of life. 'She was active, fit, healthy, and had years left to give her love and share her energy and zest for life with everyone who knew her. 'The family want to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who supported mam, and her daughter and grandson at the scene.' Northumbria Police said the rider initially drove away from the scene but he was arrested later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and the bike was recovered. The teenager has been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Sergeant Russell Surrey, of Northumbria Police, said: 'Our thoughts remain with all of Gloria's family and loved ones as they try to process what has happened. 'We will support them in any way that we can, as we look to get them the answers they deserve. 'I'd like to thank those who have been in touch to share information and footage with us so far – and would urge any further witnesses to contact us.'
Telegraph
5 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Grandmother, 86, killed by e-bike while crossing road
An 86-year-old died after allegedly being hit by an electric motorbike while she was using a pedestrian crossing. Police said a teenager has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after Gloria Stephenson died in Sunderland on May 16. Northumbria Police said it was understood she was using 'a zebra crossing when she was struck by a black Sur-Ron electric motorcycle, travelling in a southbound direction'. 'Vibrant, active, beautiful' Paying tribute, her family said: 'It is with great sadness that our amazing mam, Gloria Stephenson, was tragically killed on the 16th of May. 'We are all devastated at the loss of our vibrant, active, beautiful, and intelligent mam, grandma, mother-in-law and great-grandma. 'The press described her as an 'elderly lady' - however, we want to make absolutely clear that our mam was full of life. 'She was active, fit, healthy, and had years left to give her love and share her energy and zest for life with everyone who knew her. 'The family want to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who supported mam, and her daughter and grandson at the scene.' 'Get them the answers they deserve' Police said the rider initially drove away from the scene but he was arrested later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and the bike was recovered. The teenager has been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Sergeant Russell Surrey, of Northumbria Police, said: 'Our thoughts remain with all of Gloria's family and loved ones as they try to process what has happened. 'We will support them in any way that we can, as we look to get them the answers they deserve. 'I'd like to thank those who have been in touch to share information and footage with us so far - and would urge any further witnesses to contact us.'
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Waiuku's $383k pedestrian crossing proposal paused after criticism from local board
Gary Holmes has pointed to the use of raised rubber crossings used in Australia. Photo: Supplied A $383,000 multi-street safety improvement project in the South Auckland town of Waiuku has been put on hold. The Auckland Transport proposal has been a source of contention among the local community. Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes said he had major concerns about the project and it's impact on local businesses. In particular, he was worried about the costs related to a raised pedestrian crossing which would need to see the town's main street of Queen Street needing to be closed for 30 days for work to be completed. Holmes said the proposal has been paused following a meeting yesterday. "I'm pleased my fellow local board members are supporting my recommendation that we pause this project," he said. "We ask Auckland Transport to come and workshop that with the board so we can fully understand what the project entails, the cost involved and potentially other alternatives." Auckland Transport group manager of infrastructure project delivery Mark Banfield said the cost for the raised crossing element of the project is $65,000 out of a total project estimate of $383,000. "This is only a small part of the proposed project, which encompasses a multi-street safety upgrade scheme that also includes footpath and drainage upgrades". "AT proposed a multi-street safety improvement project which includes works on Queen Street, George Street, Mellsop Avenue and Kent Street in Waiuku." "Our pedestrian surveys showed dozens of unaccompanied children walk through this area on weekdays and when we engaged with the Waiuku community in April 2023 most respondents told us the changes would benefit the community." "There have been some recent concerns raised by the Franklin Local Board and community members about the cost of the project, the time it will take to complete, along with our shared concerns about the disruption that the project will cause during construction." "We are committed to listening and responding to the needs and concerns of our communities and balancing the disruption that comes with road construction projects against the safety and benefits they will deliver." "Our project team will now work through these concerns and possible solutions with the Franklin Local Board in a workshop before we progress any further with this project or start construction. We will also engage with the community again on any potential changes to the proposal," Mark Banfield said. Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes, who has been involved in discussions about the AT proposal, said he disputes the breakdown of costs. "I see that AT is stating that the raised pedestrian crossing part of the project is $65,000 only, well I call them on that." "Any sort of project like that, includes consultancy fees, traffic management etc, so they're putting a spin on that which I is disingenuous," the Franklin Local Board member said. The local politician is advocating for rubber alternative, which he said would cost about $100,000 and one day to install. Holmes pointed to a similar example of a rubber raised pedestrian crossings in Australia and the success of a trial rubber roundabout which has been used in Waiuku for several years. AT said a temporary rubber device would need to be replaced within five years. "Waiuku already boasts one of this company's rubber roundabouts, proving the efficacy of these solutions in our community," Holmes said. "It's time Auckland Transport stopped operating in a vacuum and started listening to common sense and embracing solutions that are better for ratepayers and better for our communities." "Waiuku is ready to lead Auckland on pedestrian crossings, demonstrating a forward thinking approach to road safety that is both efficient and economical, without compromising on the safety of our most vulnerable road users," he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Waiuku's $400,000 pedestrian crossing proposal paused after criticism from local board
Gary Holmes has pointed to the use of raised rubber crossings used in Australia. Photo: Supplied A nearly $400,000 proposal for a raised pedestrian crossing in the south Auckland town of Waiuku has been put on hold. The Auckland Transport project has been a source of contention in among community leaders, with the town's main street of Queen Street needing to be closed for 30 days for work to be completed. Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes said following a meeting on Tuesday, the proposal had been paused. "I'm pleased my fellow local board members are supporting my recommendation that we pause this project," he said. "We ask Auckland Transport to come and workshop that with the board so we can fully understand what the project entails, the cost involved and potentially other alternatives." Gary Holmes had led calls for cheaper alternative materials for the raised crossing, advocating for a rubber raised crossing which he said was used in Australia. He estimated a rubber raised crossing could be installed for less than $100,000 and take less than a day to complete. "It's frankly astounding that Auckland Transport continues to push these exorbitant and disruptive raised table crossings when demonstrably better options exist," Holmes said. "The community is fed up with the endless road closures and the eye-watering price tags for what should be simple safety improvements." The Franklin Local Board member also pointed to the success of a trial rubber roundabout which already exists in Waiuku. "Waiuku already boasts one of this company's rubber roundabouts, proving the efficacy of these solutions in our community," Holmes said. "It's time Auckland Transport stopped operating in a vacuum and started listening to common sense, and embracing solutions that are better for ratepayers and better for our communities. "Waiuku is ready to lead Auckland on pedestrian crossings, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to road safety that is both efficient and economical, without compromising on the safety of our most vulnerable road users," he said. The rubber roundabout has been trialled in Waiuku. Photo: Supplied Auckland Transport group manager of infrastructure project delivery Mark Banfield said the project was initially in response to safety concerns raised by the Waiuku community. "AT proposed a multi-street safety improvement project which includes works on Queen Street, George Street, Mellsop Avenue and Kent Street in Waiuku. "Our pedestrian surveys showed dozens of unaccompanied children walk through this area on weekdays and when we engaged with the Waiuku community in April 2023, most respondents told us the changes would benefit the community. "There have been some recent concerns raised by the Franklin Local Board and community members about the cost of the project, the time it will take to complete, along with our shared concerns about the disruption that the project will cause during construction. "We are committed to listening and responding to the needs and concerns of our communities and balancing the disruption that comes with road construction projects against the safety and benefits they will deliver. "Our project team will now work through these concerns and possible solutions with the Franklin Local Board in a workshop before we progress any further with this project or start construction. We will also engage with the community again on any potential changes to the proposal," Banfield said. AT said the construction estimate for the raised crossing was only $65,000 and "is only a small part of the proposed project, which encompasses a multi-street safety upgrade scheme that also includes footpath and drainage upgrades." They said a temporary rubber device would need to be replaced within five years with the overall cost of construction of their initial proposal to be $383,000. Gary Holmes said he disputed the breakdown of costs. "I see that AT is stating that the raised pedestrian crossing part of the project is $65,000 only, well I call them on that. "Any sort of project like that, includes consultancy fees, traffic management ect, so they're putting a spin on that which I think is disingenuous." Holmes said he expected a resolution between the two parties in the coming months. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
ABC News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- ABC News
New pedestrian crossing announced after St Edmund's College students hit by allegedly stolen car
The father of a boy, who was almost killed after being hit by a car while walking to school, has praised attempts to make the school commute safer as a "really good starting point". Teenagers Aiden Stuart and Aaron Way were struck by an allegedly stolen car on Canberra Avenue while walking to St Edmund's College in Griffith on March 28. Joshua Way was treating Aiden's injuries when he found out his son, Aaron, was also a victim. He said the road was always dangerous. "It was pretty wild," Mr Way said. "The speeds that some people come off that roundabout at [are] just dangerous." Aiden remains in hospital. Aaron spent 13 days in hospital, still cannot bend his fingers, and has a scar along his forearm. Six weeks after the almost-fatal incident, the ACT government announced the installation of a new pedestrian crossing on Canberra Avenue near Burke Crescent, pending approval from the National Capital Authority. Mr Way said the announcement was "a really good starting point". Aiden Stuart's triplet brother, Bryce, said crossing Canberra Avenue every morning for school was always dangerous. "It's pretty scary … It is busy and packed. It can take ages to cross it," Bryce said. He said he was hoping his brother would be well enough to leave hospital this week. College principal Tim Cleary said the road crossing was a constant source of anxiety for parents. "I sort of hold my breath and watch them all cross the road," Mr Cleary told the ABC after the crash. "Boys have got less than eight seconds to cross two lanes of traffic." Mr Cleary said while the proposed crossing could not have prevented that crash, the announcement was "overdue" on one of the busiest and most dangerous arterial roads in Canberra. He said the proposed crossing would only stop traffic when pedestrians needed to cross. "This outcome is a win-win for everyone," he said. Across the road, St Clare's College principal Dr Ann Cleary said parents were driving their children to school so they wouldn't have to cross the thoroughfare. "The parents worry about that every day. So the crossing goes a long way to alleviate that worry." However, Dr Cleary said the school wanted more to be done — including a 40-kilometre speed limit outside the school during school hours. "There are plenty of Canberra roads that are disrupted at any point in time that are arterial roads." However, ACT Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne, who is responsible for road safety in the ACT, said that while all options were on the table, the proposed crossing would "have the biggest impact in terms of pedestrian safety without compromising traffic movement overall". She said the speed limit would not be reduced. "It's an arterial road," Ms Cheyne said. "The speed limit is contributing to how much traffic needs to pass through there. "The safest thing that can occur is for traffic to come to a complete stop when students are trying to cross the road." However, Living Streets Canberra convenor Gill King disagrees. She pointed to Pennant Hills Road in Sydney, which carries up to 60,000 vehicles each day and still has 40kph speed limits during school drop-off hours. Ms Gill is leading a campaign for all roads within two kilometres of schools in the ACT to have 30kph speed limits. If speed limits weren't reduced, Ms King said convenient pedestrian-priority crossings had to be installed. "It's a great start but we've got a long way to go," she said.
