Pedestrians already using new Sheffield 'Dutch Roundabout'

Pedestrians already using new Sheffield 'Dutch Roundabout' which gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists

Transcript

00:00It may not be officially opened yet, and work is apparently still going on along here,

00:08but Sheffield's first Dutch-style roundabout, as you'll see behind me, is now already being used by pedestrians.

00:16The new roundabout has zebra crossings and cycle lanes all the way around,

00:22with cars expected to give way for pedestrians and cyclists.

00:25Some concerns have been raised over a similar roundabout in Cambridge,

00:29where the number of accidents was reported to have increased after pedestrians and cyclists were given priority,

00:35but supporters say the number of cyclists and pedestrians using it has also increased.

00:41Flashing Belisha beacons are already in place and working, and traffic can now be seen stopping for the crossings.

00:49We asked some of those using the crossings what they thought.

00:53Could you tell me what you think of Sheffield's first new pedestrian-prioritising roundabout?

00:59Yeah, it's nice. I like it. It's nice. It's good.

01:02Do you feel safe on it?

01:04Yeah, it's good. I like it.

01:07Could you tell me what you think of the new roundabout in Sheffield that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists?

01:11Yeah, easy to get across, easy to use. Looks pretty good.

01:15What do you think of the new roundabout in Sheffield that gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists?

01:19Yeah, same. Really easy to get across. Can't stop, so yeah, all good.

01:22Felt safe?

01:23Yep.

01:25It's pretty decent to be honest. Like I said, it took a while for it to actually get done.

01:29I think that's been the major concern for a lot of people, the amount of time it took to get done.

01:34But it's looking pretty decent. Like I said, hopefully once it's all done and all marked out properly, it might work.

01:41Did you feel safe when you came across on it?

01:44There's certain parts where I don't think people are looking, but like I said, hopefully when the whole distance is open,

01:53hopefully it runs a bit smoother and a bit safer.

01:56But unfortunately I think it's just the driving in this country is probably going to be a testament to how well this works.

02:03I think it's fantastic.

02:05And you've had a go on it? How have you found it?

02:08Yeah, well, it's not open yet, but yeah, it seems good so far. People gave way to me, so yeah.

02:13And do you feel safe?

02:14Yeah. The traffic's slow enough. I think people know what the road markings mean.

02:20I think it's very clear. Yeah, I think it's very good.

02:25Meanwhile, the junction at the other end of Tenter Street is now taking shape.

02:30This is where the road now joins Townhead Street and Broad Lane.