Sheffield is expected to see up to fifteen new or improved pedestrian crossings in order to reduce road accidents across the city.

The plans from Sheffield City Council are part of a wider raft of proposals that are expected to cost £13million over the next two financial years which includes the expansion of 20mph zones, local safety enhancements, improvements to public rights of way and enhancements to the cycling network.

Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is a fantastic city, it’s a changing city with incredible regeneration happening right across it, but in order for the transformation to work and really reach its full potential, we need to improve how people get around.

“This investment forms a crucial part of that process, making it safer, easier and more convenient for people to walk and cycle around.

“We have been very clear that we have an ambition to ensure that nobody is killed or seriously injured on Sheffield’s roads as soon as possible. The plans in this proposal will help us achieve that goal, making the city’s roads, pavements and cycle paths as safe as possible for everyone to use.”

Sheffield City Council has said it is determined to cut road deaths in the city to zero while making Sheffield a more attractive and efficient city to walk and cycle around.

Jeff Waldock, who lives in Selborne Road in Crosspool, near one of the proposed sites, said: “It’s important to look after pedestrians and we have to make sure people are safe. It’s an important thing to spend the money on.

“You can’t deny that doing 20mph when you could be doing 30 isn’t frustrating but if it ensures one persons life is safe because of that then it’s worth it.”

The locations the council plans to prioritise crossing improvements include Crookes Valley Road, Glossop Road, Selborne Road/Manchester Road, London Road/Hill Street among others.  

A resident of Manchester Road – who did not wish to be named – said: “I think crossings are essential and are very important in keeping our pedestrians safe especially as I live near four schools.”

The current locations earmarked for improvements have scored the highest against a number of set criteria, including collisions, and will be focused on first before other locations are considered.

You can register an interest in getting a pedestrian crossing in your area by visiting https://www.gov.uk/request-pedestrian-crossing/sheffield