Should a pedestrian crossing be installed on the A1084 to help people cross this 40mph road and get to (and from) the very popular Brigg Garden Centre and the nearby Pingley Park housing development?
That question has arisen from correspondence received by Brigg Blog.
One concerned resident emailed us to suggest a crossing near Pingley Park to assist people accessing these relatively new houses and also the Garden Centre, which offers a wide range of retail goods in addition to plants and shrubs, and also a large restaurant.
Pointing out that the footpath is only on one side of the road at this point, the resident who contacted us regularly walks to the garden centre and says he sees children and families with pushchairs trying to cross "this busy and fast road (40mph limit)."
Another Brigg Blog follower contacted us to say that even he - "with long legs" - finds it difficult to get across the A1084 at this point.
Brigg Blog made an afternoon visit, on foot, to take a look - going on to call at the Garden Centre before returning home.
We didn't have to wait very long for a gap in traffic to use the crossing point from one path to the other (over the A1084) on both occasions.
However, we think this must be the only location in Brigg where pedestrians have to cross an A-road with a 40mph speed limit, rather than 30mph, without push-button assistance.
The current crossing point on the A1084 (without zebra or pelican assistance) is very near the border between Kettleby (Bigby parish, West Lindsey) and Brigg, with neighbouring local authorities being responsible for the A1084 on either side. We decided to contact both for their views.
A spokesperson for North Lincolnshire Council said: "This has been looked at previously. There is a 40mph limit, visibility at the point where the footpath changes sides is good and the traffic flow means there are plenty of adequate crossing opportunities."
A highways spokesperson for Lincolnshire County Council told us: "No official requests have been received to look into introducing a new pedestrian crossing off Bigby High Road, near Brigg Garden Centre.
"However, anyone wishing to make a request for a new crossing is encouraged to do so via their local county councillor or town/parish council. Requests will then be assessed against our Pedestrian Crossing Policy."
Highway authorities have detailed criteria they need to meet before installing assisted crossings on roads.
Brigg Blog understands that the current waiting time and the number of pedestrians wishing to cross the A1084 near the county border is too low to merit a new crossing.
However, we suggest that if permission is eventually sought to construct more properties in this area, the situation may alter.
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The entrance to the Pingley Park housing development.
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Part of Brigg Garden Centre's frontage.
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