Parking near pedestrian crossings is a serious problem for traffic safety. The main reason is reduced visibility, which endangers pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. This issue is especially important in urban areas with heavy traffic. Unfortunately, most drivers and public services are not aware of this. Although there is a provision in the law and regulations, it sometimes remains just a wording on a piece of paper. Due to the lack of parking and the high dependence on private vehicles, not many cities has so far dared to deal with this problem.
However, how important it is to do this is clearly seen from various statistics.
Reduced visibility endangers lives
Vehicles parked next to or at pedestrian crossings reduce visibility for all road users. Drivers often cannot notice pedestrians approaching the crossing, while pedestrians have a difficult view of oncoming vehicles.
According to a 2011 report, reduced visibility due to parked vehicles was the fourth most commonly reported cause of pedestrian accidents in the UK. At that time, 3 943 accidents were recorded in which this was a key factor.
Traffic accident statistics in the EU
In the European Union, an average of ten people per million inhabitants lose their lives at pedestrian crossings every year. Countries like the Netherlands and Sweden, which have a good infrastructure, also have the best results. These countries use intersection designs that allow for greater visibility and slower traffic near crossings.
The example of Hoboken: Rigorous zero-fatality regulations
The small town of Hoboken in the USA has managed to eliminate traffic deaths thanks to strict parking regulations. In this city, parking right next to pedestrian crossings is completely prohibited. This example shows that well-designed rules can make a significant contribution to safety.
What are the solutions?
The application of the rules itself as a solution is not questioned at all. This is a crucial step. However, it is clear that sometimes the authorities do not have enough capacity or knowledge to carry out their implementation. Designers have a difficult but not impossible task.
- Placing bollards and other physical barriers.
- Unleveling of the crossing itself – raising it to a level higher than the roadway, in the form of the so-called the lying policeman.
- Extending sidewalks and creating pedestrian islands. This solution actually has a double benefit where possible. It actually implies that a small part of the sidewalk is “thrown out” from both sides of the street, thus narrowing the roadway. This narrowing visually reduces the space for drivers, which encourages them to slow down, and allows pedestrians to “show themselves” before starting to cross.
- Of course, there are other safety features, such as crosswalk lighting, speed bumps for vehicles and traffic lights to warn drivers.
Raising awareness of the dangers of parking near crosswalks is key to reducing accidents and saving lives. By adapting infrastructure and introducing more rigorous regulations, cities can improve safety and reduce casualties.
