Crossing plans dropped after parking concerns

A public consultation did not see enough support for the plans

Plans for new zebra crossing near a shopping parade have been scrapped after concerns were raised over parking.

The proposals, for Elizabeth Way in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Teesside, were put forward after residents requested improved safety measures.

But a public consultation failed to earn enough support for the scheme and the Labour-run council's neighbourhood services committee decided not to move forward.

Labour councillor Fiona Cook, who said she was brought up in Elizabeth Way, said: "Safety is crucial, but I think there are alternatives."

The proposed locations were close to the junction with Westerdale Road or midway between that intersection and the entrance to Elizabeth Way shopping parade car park.

The consultation saw four responses in favour of the first, 31 supporting the second and 32 wanting no crossing, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Cook suggested the crossing "would cause more parking problems".

Several residents were at the meeting to object to the plans, and a letter also raised concerns over parking and negative impact on property values.

'Near misses'

Councillor Sue Little, Independent, who represents the Seaton ward, supported the crossing being installed.

She said several school buses served the area and there had been reports of "near misses".

"I would rather see a zebra crossing there than a memorial to a loved one that we’ve lost because of an accident," she said.

She added in 2022 a pupil at St Teresa's Catholic Primary School wrote to her requesting a crossing for the area.

The meeting heard the council would look as to whether any safety measures could be implemented to address speeding and parking issues.