Pedestrians 'won't use' path next to Totton roundabout

Cllr David Harrison, who represents Totton South, has spoken out following the removal of safety railings that lined the northern side of the Rushington Roundabout.

Cllr Harrison wants Hampshire County Council to either reinstate the railings or replace them with a hedge.

As reported, the authority has already improved the road camber, installed a higher kerb, and moved the footpath further back from the highway.

It follows a spate of crashes in which lorries have overturned while attempting to negotiate the roundabout.

No-one has been seriously hurt but at least one of the vehicles crushed the barrier between the road and the footway.

Several HGVs attempting to negotiate the Rushington Roundabout at Totton have toppled over (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Harrison believes a hedge beside the roundabout could ease safety fears and encourage pedestrians to continue using the route.

READ MORE: Highway bosses under fire for removing safety barriers at spot where several container lorries have overturned

Posting on social media he said: "Despite the very welcome changes, there are still a lot of people who tell me they don't feel safe using the footpath now the railings have been removed.

"I asked Hampshire County Council to review the decision because good design involves 'the perception of safety' just as much as the reality.

"Railings won't do anything to save somebody from being crushed if a lorry tips over, but when people tell me they won't now use that route it seems a bit self defeating not to replace the railings."

Several HGVs attempting to negotiate the Rushington Roundabout at Totton have toppled over (Image: Paul Weller)

Cllr Harrison has spoken out after the county council told him railings were not necessary.

He said: "I asked a meeting of residents about the issue this week, and about 80 per cent put up their hands when I asked if they wanted the railings replaced.

"As a compromise I have suggested that the planting of a hedge, to about waist height, might be the best solution. Hedges by the roadside are also a great way of reducing airborne pollution from traffic emissions.

"I anticipate some resistance from officers because they don't like putting in anything that requires maintenance.

"However, the nearby Rumbridge Street car park is fronted by hedges which are cut regularly, so it surely should be possible if the wishes of the people are to be met."

His proposal has sparked a mixed response on social media, with people voicing various arguments for and against.

One person posted: "Hedges would be great when a car loses control and veers off the road, starting to head towards a person on the footpath."

The county council has been approached for comment.