Bold concern: a newly installed zebra crossing on a busy Leicester route has sparked divided opinions over safety, testing residents’ patience and prompting debate about urban crossings. But here’s the full picture and what it means for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Work on the Ethel Road zebra crossing near Tesco and nearby shops was finished in December, with a project cost of £58,000. The crossing serves a well-traveled corridor for shoppers, bus riders, and students commuting to two nearby schools, making ease of crossing a practical daily need for many locals.
Soon after its completion, safety worries emerged. The primary issue cited is insufficient lighting, which some residents argue makes pedestrians harder to see and increases risk for those crossing at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Feedback posted online reflects mixed views. On Facebook, a local commented that the crossing lacks lighting, calling it dangerous. The Love Clean Streets app received two reports—one from January describing nearly being hit because a driver failed to notice a still-dark crossing, and another from December warning that lights were out and that someone could get hurt.
To gauge public sentiment, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke with pedestrians on February 9. Most respondents supported the crossing. A 44-year-old resident, Mr Gangi, said the crossing was harder to cross before but is now safer thanks to fixed lights. Another passerby, who wished to remain anonymous, said they felt safe crossing there and would not choose any other point on the street. A newer resident also affirmed the crossing’s safety.
Not everyone is convinced. Audrey Russell, 68, advised caution, noting that one side sometimes allows traffic to go while the other side doesn’t stop, urging pedestrians to cross carefully.
In response, the council emphasized that the crossing approaches in both directions meet recognised safety standards and that LED lighting powers the posts and beacon. They acknowledged a fault with a nearby streetlight that is scheduled for repair and reassured that the crossing’s carpet and illuminated features are designed to keep pedestrians visible.
Officials also stated that repairs to address the lighting near the crossing would take place in due course, and that the installation, completed early December 2025, incorporates the latest LED technology to improve internal illumination and visibility.
Bottom line: the crossing aims to improve safety for a busy route, but lighting concerns persist for some residents. As with many urban infrastructure projects, effectiveness hinges on consistent maintenance and user experience across day and night. Do you think this crossing strikes the right balance between accessibility and safety, or are there improvements you’d prioritize?
