Hull City Council’s Cabinet has today considered new proposed 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.
The coroner’s report identified several risks, and the Council will now come forward and consider a number of actions to address them, including:
- 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
- Widening the footpaths on Lowgate between Silver Street and Alfred Gelder St.
In addition, the wider Old Town area could become a 20mph zone and additional Variable Message Signs, that show how fast a car is travelling, would be installed at either end of the zone.
Whilst data suggests the area has, historically, low numbers of road traffic accidents, the approved preventative measures will aim to boost public safety, in an area of the city popular for its nighttime economy.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Portfolio Holder for Transportation, Roads, and Highways, said: “The passing of Rebecca Kirby was a tragedy.
“Road safety is crucial, and it is important that as an authority we take it seriously. The consideration of these measures is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone.”
