Concerns not black and white

He said the problem would be alleviated with more zebra crossings, or ‘extinct species’, as he calls them.

Currently there is only one in Vincent, on Oxford Street in Leederville outside Aranmore Catholic College.

‘Zebra crossings not only make it easier for pedestrians but also send a clear message that drivers need to be considerate of others and share the road,’ Mr Peart said.

He said ideal spots for the crossings would be on the corner of Vincent and Newcastle streets in Leederville and on Beaufort Street.

But Main Roads traffic services manager Brad Lenton said zebra crossings were no longer installed on higher-speed or multi-lane roads following studies conducted in Australia and overseas.

He said investigations showed a clear relationship between the crossings and incidents involving pedestrians and motorists on these types of roads.

‘The study also highlighted that pedestrians often start to cross the road without ensuring motorists have seen them or vehicles have in fact stopped,’ Mr Lenton said.

‘Pedestrians were then hesitating at these crossings, causing confusion and uncertainty amongst drivers. In addition, in locations where there are few pedestrians, motorists can become complacent about stopping to allow pedestrians to cross the road, further compromising the safety of those such a crossing aims to protect.’

Mr Peart responded by saying the Main Roads policy allowed a range of ways to make crossings safer but required political support to do so.