One woman said ‘[It’s] like a game of chicken crossing the road’
The junction of Wellington Road, Picton Road and Rathbone Road has garnered a reputation
Numerous pedestrians have shared their concerns about a “nightmare” crossroads in Wavertree after one resident blew the whistle on inconsiderate drivers taking up the pavement. The junction of Wellington Road, Picton Road and Rathbone Road is infamous for its tight bends and lack of pedestrian crossings.
Now residents are facing further issues, as building work on Wellington Road has obstructed the pavement on both sides – resulting in some people walking in the road instead.
Renovation work is ongoing at both The Wellington Pub and The Picton, which are sited opposite one another at the junction. Scaffolding is currently up at The Picton, while on the other side of the street, work vans can be seen parked nose-to-tail on the pavement, leaving no room for pedestrians.
Bethan Meredith, who lives within walking distance of the crossroads, told the ECHO: “It’s been a nightmare for years. A couple of people have been knocked down there. It’s a very bad crossroads.
“They’ve been doing a makeover at The Wellington Pub, so you can see there’s a lot of work going on and I haven’t got a problem with that. What I have a problem with is that we as pedestrians are struggling to go down the road. There’s at least three vehicles parked on that side of the road every day, and nobody seems to care.”
Following her complaints, multiple people – both drivers and pedestrians – voiced the own concerns about the busy junction. Hayley Devereux said: “[It’s] like a game of chicken crossing the road. Very dangerous when you have a pram too.”
Kiran McNeilis said: “Only thing that can be done is better contraflow lighting and system. Unless they start knocking buildings down. However, judging by the fact the Wellington has just had a £300k+ refurbishment, I doubt that. Needs a box junction with a camera on also, as when it gets busy, the amount of people that block the entire junction is baffling.”
Parking issues on Wellington Road at the junction in Wavertree
Lynn Stamper said: “You take your life in your hands trying to cross this road, lights change so quickly and cars jumping them.”
Kathryn Young said: “I had a nightmare trying to get to work last week, I had to keep weaving in and out of traffic to get from Picton Road to Smithdown Road with a toddler in a pram.”
Bernie Ryan said: “It’s an absolute nightmare to cross for a pedestrian.”
Brian Pagan said: “No thought for pedestrians at this junction.”
Aaron Ellis said: “The thing is it’s a very old high street they weren’t designed for a dual carriageway and it is one of the main thoroughfares of our city. Not sure what the answer is. We just need less cars on the road travelling round the city is a nightmare. Should have carried on with the trams idea in the 00s.”
Andy Bryan said: “It’s not great. I’ve been crossing there for years. People not knowing how to use their indicators is one of the worst hazards.”
Amy Armstrong said “it’s like pot luck crossing”, adding: “The whole crossroads is a nightmare without obstruction on the pavement.”
Kenny Thomas said: “Should move the bus stop further up Rathbone Road when the bus is stopped, no one can pass and the junction is blocked.”
Cara Chin Quee said: “It’s gone worse since they changed the Pighue Lane roundabout to one lane too. Don’t know why the hell they’ve done that.”
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “Pavement parking is a major problem for pedestrians, especially those with prams or wheelchairs. It can be dangerous for pedestrians and can also cause traffic congestion.
“Tackling anti-social parking is a key priority within our wider Parking Strategy, and we are increasing enforcement to address the issue.
“If a pedestrian or resident has a concern with pavement parking, they can report the issue on the council website and an officer will investigate.”