Reading Green Party is campaigning on dangerous trade waste bins at the puffin crossing next to the Alfred Sutton School. These bins stop children seeing into the road and stop car drivers from seeing the children. The Greens want to see them moved.

The Department for Transport (DfT) guidance clearly states that at crossings "pedestrians must be able to see and be seen by approaching traffic" and that "Visibility should not be obscured or restricted by...street furniture". (3)

East Reading Green campaigner Rob White has raised this with the council before, and although they took some action ensuring the bins weren't right on the kerb, Rob and other locals still think the crossing is dangerous. Rob has therefore taken the next step of organising a petition.

Green campaigner (4) Rob White, who came within 20 votes of becoming Reading's first Green councillor, said:

"I've had a number of parents raise this issue with me on the door-step when I've asked about local issues of concern.

"The trade waste bins are so big that they stop young children from seeing out into the road and being seen. As this crossing is right next to a school then lots of children use this it.

"I'd like to see the council re-locating the bins away from the crossing, so lines of sight aren't blocked and the crossing is made safer.

"If we want more people out walking then we need decent, safe, facilities."

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

1. For more information please contact Rob White on 07985 923938 or 0118 950 4062.

2. Green Park Ward candidate Rob White polled 994, and came within 20 votes of becoming Reading's first Green councillor at the last local elections in Reading.

3. Local Transport Note 2/95. Section 2.3.2
"Pedestrians must be able to see and be seen by approaching traffic. Visibility should not be obscured or restricted by, for example, parked vehicles, trees or street furniture. If it is not possible to site the crossing elsewhere consideration must be given to either removing/resiting the obstacle or, if the carriageway is sufficiently wide, to building out the kerb-line to provide enhanced sight lines.

The designer is responsible for anticipating not only the problems for maintenance but also the particular visibility problems for wheelchair users and children."

4. Rob has campaigned on many road safety issues including campaigning: for 20 mph speed limits in residential areas, on the dangerous island that is part of the Cemetery Junction crossing and against cars blocking pavements. He has done this under the banner of the Green Party's Streets for People campaign.