As part of the Sustrans Connect2 cycle network, which currently runs from Burringham Road to Ferry Road, North Lincolnshire Council have installed a number of ‘table top’ crossings around the town. These ‘table top’ crossings are at footpath level and are designed to make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road, they also act as a traffic calming measure.

North Lincolnshire Council is currently reminding drivers they must give way to pedestrians and cyclists wanting to cross the road at these crossings. There are give way lines and signs on the road, as well as coloured anti skid surface on the crossing itself. However, there’s also another type of ‘table top’ crossing in use on the roads of the town, these have no give way lines or signage and the motorist can continue over them whilst the cyclists & pedestrians must wait.

Cllr Nigel Sherwood, Cabinet member for Highways and Neighbourhoods has said:

“The crossings will make it safer for cyclists crossing the road as they make their way from the Connect2 cycle ways that are located around Scunthorpe.
 
The new crossings should not be confused with table tops used for traffic calming, where people cross but there is no give way order. Look out for the lines and give way lines.”

Being a regular cyclist I also drive a car so I have view from both prospective. There have been numerous times when using the ‘table top’ crossing on Brumby Wood Lane (near to Rowland Road roundabout) where I’ve had to brake sharply when a car has proceeded past the give way line, blasting the horn and making a gesture. When I’ve pointed to the give way line and shouted back their error I’ve been returned a vacant stare. Alternately, when I’ve been driving along Willoughby Road there is a ‘table top’ crossing near to the Beacon, at this crossing there are no give way signs yet I’ve had to brake sharply as cyclist fly across them thing they have right of way.

The latest ‘table top’ crossings are on Ferry Road and at the end of both Avenue Vivian and Foxhills Road. This area has five ‘table top’ crossings which could see confusion rule possibly resulting in an accident. The crossings at the end of both Avenue Vivian and Foxhills Road are designed that motorists give way to cyclist & pedestrians whilst on Ferry Road only one of the crossings is, the other two are designed so that the motorist has right of way,  these are all within a space of one hundred metres of each other.

Above, Ferry Road 'Table Top' crossing where motorist must give way.

Above, Ferry Road 'Table Top' crossing where cyclist and pedestrians have to wait.

Whilst the Highway Code should be adhered to at all times and both cyclist and pedestrians should wait until it’s safe to cross I can’t help thinking that the confusion over these ‘table top’ crossings will lead to an accident.