Crossing warning after near accident

A ZEBRA crossing close to a busy bus depot in Ipswich is being slammed as dangerous amid claims that bus drivers are ignoring the crossing.

Steven Mallet, 50, who uses the crossing regularly, says on several occasions he has nearly been hit by a bus, whose driver has failed to see him on the black and white crossing.

He is calling for safety improvements to the crossing outside the Plough public house, which is used by buses coming in and out of the Old Cattle Market.

He said: "I have been half way across the road several times and nearly been hit by a bus as they come into the depot.

"The drivers are in such a hurry and charge through. I've had many close shaves. It's a very busy crossing used by many people and there needs to be some sort of warning for the drivers so they slow down. There's an accident waiting to happen.

"A speed bump would solve the problem. That would stop the drivers coming around the corner so fast."

Mr Mallet, of Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich says the last time he was nearly mowed down he had his two year-old son with him.

"I am disabled and had my boy with me. I can't walk quickly and we were lucky to get out of the way in time. It's happened to me twice in the last three weeks alone.

"It's just not safe. It's as simply as that.

"I have spoke to some of the drivers about the problem and they admit they have a blind spot, especially when they are reversing and can't always see people on the crossing.

"Surely this proves there is problem so something definitely needs to be done. I don't feel safe using it, which is ironic as the purpose of the crossing is for the safety of pedestrians," said Mr Mallet.

Ipswich council transport manager Stephen Auld said there had been no reported accidents at the crossing.

However they had heard about a near miss last week and would be writing to bus companies asking them to remind their drivers to be careful when turning into the bus station.