Why are some people so lazy that they will not use crossings provided, or if they do, cross the road regardless of what the instructions are and whether vehicles are approaching?

This applies to both young and old, today I pointed out a safe crossing provision to 2 elderly ladies making there way from the Kennet Centre to the Bus Station. After observing them tottering accross the road, making traffic stop, just yards from the recently installed pedestrian crossing, they told me that it meant walking away from their intended destination! We are talking about a change of direction of roughly 10 paces here!

I see this all the time. Especially at the Zebra crossing by the Cross Keys pub. They dart in front of me about 3 meters before, making me put on my brakes. I don't get why people are so lazy and can't be bothered to walk a few steps further.

On the other hand, while I am all for pedestrians crossing safely, it really annoys me when they press the button regardless of whether the road is clear, then sail across an empty road before the lights change.

Even though this bugs me when other people do it.... I must admit I do to. I don't see the point of waiting until cars come along before I cross the road, and it wouldn't make a difference whether I waitied or not - you still have to stop. So its just a waste of time standing there, you may as well cross over! I only ever press the button when there is traffic there, it just depends how long it takes to change over before the road is clear as to when I cross.

I think you just contradicted yourself. First you say you press the button even though there are no cars approaching, then you say you only press it when there's traffic there.

Rosewinelover. You must realise, you can run, but you cannot hide ... from the Post Inspector!!!

No, I don't press the button when no cars are approaching, what I mean is I always press the button IF there are cars there, but if the cars have gone and the light hasn't changed I will cross. Therefore meaning i'm not going to stand there and wait for more cars to come until the lights change.

PMSL!

Another great area is on Newtown Road just by the St John's roundabout where they've installed the raised almost speed bumps and just by where the off licence used to be.

So many people treat those as if they are pedestrian crossings. I've even seen a pedestrian yelling at cars that didn't stop for him, despite the complete lack of any signage or road markings!

Thank you Iommi. I was not criticising, I was just confused as to what Amie actually meant. After her explanation, I think I am even more confused!

Which means another 10 paces back again, which could be quite a lot for an elderly person. I'm with them; the public highway is meant for people as well as cars, and the latter should not be moving so fast in an urban area that a pedestrian crossing the road is a problem.



See what I mean! Cars rule, OK? and to **** with anyone else!

(Now that's interesting; the software blotted out the name of Satan's abode.)

LOL What is confusing?!

Mmmmm, Yes a car does rule when it is driving on a road, and a pedestrian should be walking on the pavement and ONLY crossing when safe - not darting along the road when they feel like it. Did you ever read the highway code? I think not.

I'm only pulling your leg! I just notice you above others who seem to be more 'eager' to challenge technical details of people's posts!

I'd have slipped a copy of Logan's Run into their senile grips Bill. That would sort the buggers out.

Well with cars parking and cyclists cycling on pavements, perhaps they think it safer to walk in the road.

Crikey mate what millenium are you in?

Anyways in the case of the elderly, it's their safety I'm worried about and if they can make it around the shopping centre a few more paces isn't going to make any difference.

Furthermore that was just an example, kids playing "dare" to impress their mates, the unsavoury litter dropping no respect for anyone types, parents with prams/pushchairs......all sorts of people do it.

This is a common practice, people just jumping into the roads and zigzagging through the cars. I very rarely see people use the Zebra crossing; it is probably too far away for some... and too near for others.

Can't you have a word with the relevant section at council Bill? That Chris fella said you work there?

Yes, and User 23 works there as well. A friendly word in their shell like... and if they don't comply threaten them with all the dirt they've accumulated over the years. It is no good working for a company and not expect a few perks. While you are at it Bill... we need a few more bike racks in Newbury town centre.

I am often taken aback when pedestrians will cross a road without even looking left and right to see if anything is coming. Does no one remember the Green Cross Code? I drive through the town every morning and turn right on Mansion House Street instead of going straight on to Northbrook Street. I put my indicator on outside the Kitchen Monger and people still walk out in front of me. I then turn left onto Cheap Street (where I turn on my indicator outside Montys) and again people will just walk across without looking.

As a pedestrian though at this junction (turning into Cheap Street) why do cars not indicate they are going left instead of bearing right. It is a left turn, even though it seems straight on, and I have had run ins with car drivers who think that lifting up their arm and pulling down a lever is too much hassle !!!!

Where are your indicators then because in my car, and most others I have driven, the levers are right by where your hands should be - on the steering wheel? It's more a case of moving one finger than your arm!

Now, if on a bicycle, where you have to take one arm off the handlebars and move it to indicate, that's a bit more energetic! Car - one finger either up or down, bike - right or left arm held out to side! Now that's what I call exercise!

Actually I revealed I work for WBC absolutely ages ago. What relevant section?



Sorry GMR I have no idea what you are talking about!

I think Bill and the other council worker/s on here should spend less time blogging at work and more time grafting! Is this what we pay our council tax for?

There is such a thing as break time!

Bill's already answered unfounded and daft statements like that previously

Not again!

I'm getting seriously peed off with this sort of comment now.

Tell you what, why don't I just spend more of my break time worrying about myself instead of others.

From a fellow Blue by the look of your User Name too.

To be fair I think most people write or look at the Internet in their working time. I do think it is unfair of people criticising council staff for writing in their working time. I would do it, unfortunately our computers at work block out Internet Access.

Thats me

Have to tell you this, today I've been at the national HQ of a well known public sector firm. Waiting for someone to confirm a contract. A fairly curt Receptionist directed me to his floor where I was ushered into the presence. Not a word for a few minutes, then 'sorry I had to finish something' Ummm I do know what Facebook looks like even at an angle! This wasn't in Newbury, where (dare I say it) Reception and staff at either Council office are at least polite!

Not me!


Why?


Because I bet you work for a private firm.

Yes...it seems the only time people take a break from personal web browsing...is to take personal calls on their moby!

Having five minutes on the web while at work is the modern day non-smokers equivalent of slipping outside for a five minute fag break....

I do both

It is perfectly understood that those employed as public servants should be subject to scrutiny in order to inform the public, that contribute to the salaries, pensions and everything that goes with a public office, that their money is being spent correctly and not wasted.
The recent MP's expenses saga being a recent case in point.
So it is not unreasonable for people on this and forum to make the observation regarding council employees posting in company time. I give you that the point was crudely made however still relevant.

It MIGHT be, but what relevance to pedestrian crossings I am unsure. ALSO, I think it unreasonable to assume they would be doing anything in company time - how does anyone know? Third, it is often personal, which is also a grotty thing to do (as in this instance). The same points could be made without going personal. Singling people out, in my view, is out of order and the mods, I think, should be clamping down on this.

Sorry but you are scoring an own goal there.

Rather than keep the discussion general you too resort to personalisations.
Not that it bothers me too much but in the "slow news day" thread, instead of keeping the discussion general on topic, you resort to personalisations such as calling me "tight".

So I agree with you - keep to the discussion without going "personal".

(Yes I know off topic but threads tend to go that way.)

Of course I do, but I'm not saying I'm right either! Besides, I was joking with you, and I wasn't trying to 'out' you, and that is is what I find most unsavoury.

I've no problem with people writing, "council workers appear to be using council's time, and that is out of order", but I do have issue with people going, "Oi, Joe, get off the Internet in our time!".

OK fine - I know it was in jest - I am not easily offended - I enjoy the debate.

Same as that...what about those silly pedestrians, eh?

Well I think that while driving in the 20mph "pedestrian zone" you should be extra vigilant and be aware of errant pedestrians, ready to stop and give way, even during the times that traffic is allowed.

During the "pedestrian" times I think it is unclear who has priority - buses/taxis etc. or pedestrians?

Does anyone know?

Revolves around the question is it a pedestrian zone or not?

Greg, as a long standing WBC employee I have several internet browsing breaks a day all of them on hard earned taxpayers money lol! Some last well over an hour aside from my lunch or tea breaks. Not to mention smoking breaks I MUST add. And the jolly of it all is I'm always on a jolly and there is nought you can do about it son. And to stick the knife in further I'm not one of the 50 facing redundancy and will potter around on your money for many, many more years to come. Way of the world squire, way of the world.

Regards,

IH

I know you, you're not the CEO by any chance!!!

On topic: To be fair, this is low on 'worried about it' list. I just keep a big look out for pedestrians, more often children and women as they seem more pre-occupied!

Our suspicions are confirmed!

If only this was a joke.
And you are probably not the only one.

You have never gone "off post" then?

Human nature being what it is I think it perfectly reasonable that public employees pursue their own interests with some of their employers time.

I think it becomes personal because some people resent the fact that their tax contribution may be funding a council employee to waste time particularly when money, jobs and work opportunities are in short supply.

Couple of points, Bill shouldn't have outed himself as a WBC employee that was a bit daft on a public forum, however if you check his posts they all seem to be at lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends not times usually deemed as working hours. Pedestriand do stupid things and forget where they are, the old adage applies here of always expecting the unexpected. As a driver you should be aware of potential hazards all the time whether you are in the right or not.

Hallo geezers. I think this Bill should be left well alone. It reminds of the time they said to me "Bobby you and the Primal are nothing but a very bad Stones pastiche. And dadrock too to boot". I didn't take kindly to that and targeting Bill as one of many work shy pen pushers at the council is a bit harsh ain't it? Loaded.

And does that make it OK? So what in other words. Going off topic is not good manners, whether I or anyone else does.


So what's the problem then?


That isn't my issue, mine is that there is no real proof that it is happening, and if it is, it is not right that people should 'out' people with, or without proof.