Holbein Place crossing, Sloane Square - Shared Space
Location: Holbein Place, Sloane Square, Westminster, London
Type: Pedestrian crossing/ Shared space
The crossing directly outside of Sloane Square tube station was altered from the standard pavement – crossing – pavement arrangement to a shared surface in 2009. The crossing now comprises of a single level surface of a single material for both pavement and carriageway . This extends from building frontage to building frontage. The edged of the carriageway is de-marked by 300mm wide kerbs laid flush with adjacent surfaces. Warning studs were retrofitted at the edge of the carriageway and signs saying ‘pedestrians’ have been added at the request of a number of pedestrians.
Holbein Place crossing, Sloane Square - Shared Space
This shared space crossing has generated a lot of debate both prior to its installation and after. There was, and continues to be, a lot of opposition to this type of crossing due to it being perceived as dangerous. However, this does not appear to be backed up by the statistics. After being open for nearly three years (opened in February 2009) there has been one minor accident at this crossing, a pedestrian’s foot was run over. As the current climate is risk adverse this accident could have been significant to the local authority, pressure from the lobbyists increased to have this junction returned to its original configuration. However, the local authority stood firm and the crossing remains as a shared space. This is, I believe, a reasonable response as one minor accident in three year is low considering 350 vehicles per hour pass through this space.
Holbein Place crossing, Sloane Square - Shared Space
I believe this type of crossing is good for our cities. Admittedly drivers within our cities will need to adjust their understand of the rules of the road and be more cautious, but I believe this is not a bad thing. Vehicular traffic can move more slowly without affecting their average journey speed, this in turn will create a safer, less noisy, lesss stressful pedestrian environment. This type of junction, I believe, will help to achieve this end.
My only criticism of this scheme, although most probably not envisaged as part of the original scheme, are the large bins at the center of the crossing. Not only are they not aesthetically pleasing but more importantly they obscure the drivers vision of the footway.
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