The length of time the 'green man' on pedestrian crossings is displayed for needs to be lengthened on pedestrian crossings across the city, to allow more time for people to cross city roads safely.
This is the view of Social Democrats Galway City Central candidate, Sharon Nolan, who is calling on the Galway City Council to review pedestrian crossing times across the city, and to be open to "extensions being required in some regions". She said such a move would help make Galway a "more pedestrian-friendly" city.
"The role pedestrian crossings take in this is huge," she said. "Accurate data is required to help ensure the crossings are fit for purpose for the travel speeds of all members of the public."
She said for the elderly, people with a disability, or who have mobility needs, "short crossing times are putting them at risk". She is also calling for additional measures, such as ensuring locator tones and tactile pavings are included on all pedestrian crossings as these “cues” helps people who are visually impaired.
Ms Nolan pointed out how, in 2018, Dublin City Council passed a motion to increase, by one second, the time the green man displayed on traffic lights, while Cork city councillors have also called for similar reviews of pedestrian crossings.
“Our city needs to be built for everyone to use," she said. "Our infrastructure needs to reflect this to truly have an accessible city. Improving pedestrian safety for all is a must in our ever-growing city.”
