Campaign for safe crossing at busy city junction

MP Luke Pollard said the junction was an accident waiting to happen

A petition has been launched to install a pedestrian crossing at a junction dubbed "an accident waiting to happen".

MP Luke Pollard said he had taken up the cause to make the intersection near Chester Place and Alexandra Road in Plymouth safer.

He said it was used by "hundreds" of people every day but its current configuration raised concerns.

According to a map published online by Devon and Cornwall's road safety unit Vision Zero, there were seven crashes at the junction between 2019 and 2023.

'Lives in their hands'

Drake and Compton ward councillors said they had received multiple complaints from pedestrians and drivers.

The issue was also raised at a Plymouth City Council meeting on Monday, in which councillor Mark Coker, cabinet member for transport, said he would look into possible safety improvements.

Drake councillor Charlotte Holloway said students at Plymouth High School were among those who would benefit from a crossing.

She added: "Residents are telling us that they are taking their lives in their hands each time they try to cross Mutley Plain.

"That’s parents with pushchairs, children trying to get to the local schools, students heading into university."

She said improvements were needed so both pedestrians and drivers could benefit.

'Vital artery'

Compton councillor Matt Smith said residents "regularly" contacted him about their concerns.

"They can’t understand why every other crossing on Mutley Plain has pedestrian lights but this busy junction doesn’t, and they want action taken to make it safer."

Mr Pollard, who represents Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said it was a "vital artery" and he had launched a petition to have the junction changed.

“The crossing at Mutley Plain is used by hundreds of pedestrians every day but I am concerned that the current junction configuration is an accident waiting to happen. That’s why I’m supporting this campaign to make it safer for people to cross."

Plymouth City Council has been contacted for comment.