A WELL USED short cut across one of Teignmouth's busiest roads could be upgraded with a zebra crossing, writes Hannah Taylor. The well-worn grass verges on either side of the A379 at Higher Brook Street from Shute Hill to the town's largest supermarket, The Co-op are testament to the busy route. Highways engineers planned to extend the length of the island to make it safer for pedestrians. They also planned to improve the walkways on the grass verges. But at a Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting on Friday, Teignmouth county councillor Chris Bray successfully argued for a more visible zebra crossing, which will cost an additional £2,000. After the meeting, Cllr Bray said: 'I am delighted that members agreed to my suggestion to upgrade the proposed crossing from a refuge to a full zebra crossing,' 'I made them aware of my campaign and support of the community including the local MP and explained that it was a very well used crossing where, for various reasons, including distance, residents did not use the underpass which was designed to take pedestrian traffic. 'I raised the issue of congestion on the main road through Teignmouth and repeated that this was a major concern, but I do not believe that a simple zebra crossing, as opposed to a pelican, would add to congestion,' he said. The £2,000 contribution to the upgrade is subject to approval by the Teignbridge county committee. At the moment walkers dodge the railings to cut across the road instead of using the subway. There is an island in between the two-lane traffic so people can stop and look before moving on. A 142-signature petition called for a visible zebra crossing to make drivers more aware of the dangers. County councillor Chris Bray has been campaigning for a proper crossing for the past year. He picked up the campaign started by Town and District Cllr David Weekes.
