Paths for people (From Malvern Gazette)

Paths for people

11:19am Friday 27th July 2007 in Letters

WITH all the torrential rain we have been having, would road users show more consideration towards pedestrians please, when they drive through puddles.

Last Friday, July 20, I was returning from shopping in Barnards Green along Court Road. I was opposite the latest construction site where there was single file traffic. As the traffic lights changed to green, a taxi accelerated fast through a huge muddy puddle and I was drenched from umbrella downwards. I could see what would happen, but had nowhere to move. After a taxi, a lorry stopped then proceeded slowly, so I was saved a second soaking.

Whether there are roadworks, construction sites or not, pedestrians and other footpath users get very little consideration. Vehicles are parked on the path making it necessary for pedestrians to go onto the road, often very busy.

The lowered kerbs for mobility scooter users are often blocked by parked cars right across them. My husband has a mobility scooter and is using an alternative route via the path beside the college playing fields to get to Geraldine Road and Barnards Green. There is one rather high kerb which is just manageable, Court Road is hopeless.

Please remember, all drivers, that paths are for people not vehicles, and pedestrians can put up with rain, but prefer not to be splashed with muddy water. I am sure this tale could be repeated about other parts of the town, or even nationwide.

MRS B H ADGIE, Court Road, Malvern.