Solution to zebra crossing danger

Sir-- I would like to add to the debate regarding the new pedestrian crossings at Stag roundabout. In my opinion the main cause of all the problems associated with the introduction of the crossings is the speed at which motorists travel, both approaching a

On February 9 I had an appointment at the Stag medical centre and at 8.45 I was crossing the road from the Stag chemists.

I was half way across the zebra crossing to the central island when I realised that a car coming from my right, from the direction of Worrygoose roundabout, was not going to stop.

I stopped on the crossing and a silver/grey hatchback passed within 30cm of me. I noticed that the driver was female, with blond hair and a ponytail and that she was looking to see what traffic was approaching the roundabout from the Brecks direction.

I honestly believe she did not see me at all because of the speed at which she was driving, but if I had taken one more step on the crossing I believe I would have been the first casualty of the new road layout, and perhaps a fatal one at that because of the car's speed.

I was so shocked by my near miss that I failed to take the car's registration number. If any reader recognises themselves from the above description then I suggest they visit an optician and once they have the glasses they so obviously need they should read the Highway Code which states, under section 195: "Zebra crossings. As you approach a zebra crossing: - Look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross."You MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing"

With the help of her new glasses, and driving slower, the lady driver might then notice the large black-and-white stripes on the road and the Belisha beacons which make up a zebra crossing.

Next time she might not be so lucky as to miss a pedestrian. To Rotherham MBC I suggest that the speed limit from the Brecks and from Worrygoose roundabout into Rotherham should be reduced to 30mph and that notice signs warning of the zebra crossings should be installed in advance of all junctions.

I have thought for some time that 40mph is too fast for these roads especially when there are two infant/junior schools on Wickersley Road.

I can't remember the statistics but I recall that you stand much more chance of surviving being hit by a car at 30 mph than at 40mph.

From the Brecks or Worrygoose Island to the beginning of the current 30mph limit is less than two miles and a reduced speed limit over this distance would add little more than a minute to a journey time.

Surely worth it if it might save someone's life not to mention the reduced number of minor accidents with drivers bumping into the car in front.

Ken Abernethy, Stag Lane, Rotherham.