Hull City Council’s Cabinet will next month consider plans to adopt new road safety measures for the Old Town area of the city centre.
This is in response to a request from the city’s coroner after Rebecca Kirby tragically died after being struck by a car when crossing Lowgate on the evening of 27 August 2021.
Based on identified risks arising out of a coroner’s report, the Highway Authority proposes the following measures be considered:
*Relocation of the existing taxi ranks on Lowgate to Alfred Gelder Street
*Design of an increased width signalised crossing where Lowgate meets Silver Street and Scale Lane
*Relocation of the existing crossing facility on Lowgate closer to Market Place
*Proposal to consider the viability of widening the footpaths on Lowgate between Silver Street and Alfred Gelder St.
In addition, it is proposed the wider Old Town area would become a 20mph zone and additional Variable Message Signs would be installed at either end of the zone.
Whilst data suggests the area has, historically, low numbers of road traffic accidents, the proposed preventative measures will aim to boost public safety, in an area of the city popular for its nighttime economy.
Hull City Council will consult with external parties on the proposed measures, including HM Coroner, Humberside Police, and the Hull Hackney Carriage Association.
Portfolio holder for Transportation, Roads and Highways, Councillor Mark Ieronimo, said: “The passing of Rebecca Kirby was a tragedy.
“In light of this, the council has been exploring a number of options to make Lowgate safer for residents enjoying our city centre.
“The council will do all it can to improve the safety of this area and has reviewed speed limits in the city centre, as well as had discussions with partners about the relocation of the taxi ranks in the area.”
