That’s the view of Councillor Richard Mutton who believes a pedestrian crossing should have been installed near the Orana Gardens retirement complex to protect vulnerable residents accessing the Orana Mall shopping centre.

Council spent more than a year debating safety improvements in the area before plans for speed cushions were finally adopted in May.

Councillor Mutton concedes he voted for the local area traffic management plan but claims he did so reluctantly “and only because the Roads and Traffic Authority said a pedestrian crossing would be illegal’’.

“What we’ve ended up with can best be described as dangerous and ridiculous,’’ councillor Mutton told the Daily Liberal yesterday.

“I haven’t heard one positive comment. There are no signs anywhere and no lights at night.

“The speed cushions are black and not well marked. I will be asking council to remove them.’’

Mayor Greg Matthews yesterday described councillor Mutton’s reaction as premature and emotional.

“I would like to see some evidence to back up his call for the removal of the traffic calming devices,’’ the mayor said.

“Yes, there are problems with visibility but council is addressing the issue and more visual aids are to be installed.

“Speed cushions were only approved by the RTA three years ago and there are no firm guidelines about signage. We have followed the manufacturer’s instructions but it may take a little while to get everything 100 per cent right.’’

Mayor Matthews said the changed traffic conditions - including narrowed lanes, centre islands and pedestrian refuges - have slowed vehicles in the area.

“That was the aim and in my view people crossing Windsor Parade are now much safer. A pedestrian crossing could not have guaranteed safety because it is up to individual drivers to stop. Speed cushions force drivers to slow down.’’

heather.crosby@ruralpre ss.com