Portsmouth political parties call for new pedestrian crossings on city roads

Buckland resident Audrey Arnell has been highlighting the need for a safe crossing at the junction in Lake Road at the top of Commercial Road.

She put together a petition, which has so far attracted more than 750 people, in the hope council traffic bosses will listen and realise they need to take action.

And the demands for changes on Lake Road have now attracted the attention and backing of Portsmouth Labour council boss, Councillor Stephen Morgan.

Cllr Morgan, appointed the new Labour group leader after Cllr John Ferrett quit the party in light of the re-election of Jeremy Corbyn as national party leader, said: ‘I have been calling on the council to do more to improve transport infrastructure in the city centre.

‘This is a very busy junction and something must be done to make it easier and safer for residents to cross the roads at the top of Commercial Road.

‘I am delighted to support Audrey’s campaign and urge as many people as possible to sign the petition so we can encourage the council to look into the concerns raised and take action.’

Ms Arnell said: ‘Everyone I have spoken to is in favour of closing the subway and installing a crossing for local people.

‘I’m pleased Cllr Morgan is backing this important resident-led campaign.’

Meanwhile, Portsmouth Lib Dems hope the council will deliver on its ‘promise’ to pay for a new pedestrian crossing at the corner of Arundel Street and Fratton Road.

Lib Dem group leader Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: ‘There’s no pedestrian point, yet it’s really busy and people are having to take their life in their hands having to cross there.

‘We also support Audrey’s campaign, but it’s much less busy there.’

It comes after Portsmouth was revealed as the most dangerous place outside of London’s boroughs for cyclists to ride.

Alarming Department for Transport figures revealed there were 888 cycle casualties per million of the population in 2015.

To sign the petition for a new crossing on Lake Road, visit change.org/p/portsmouth-city-council-new-pedestrian-crossing-for-lake-road