Keynsham's 'optical illusion' high street to be fixed, B&NES Council confirms

In the very near future, it's hoped people tripping over the kerb in Keynsham High Street will be soon a thing of the past

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 22nd Feb 2024

In the very near future, it's hoped people tripping over the kerb in Keynsham High Street will be soon a thing of the past.

It's as B&NES Council have approved changes to change a white line into a broken one to make it easier for people to differentiate it from the kerb.

Many have called it an 'optical illusion' - with the local authority say they're acting, now a safety report's come back.

The lining work has been confirmed to be taking place following a Stage 4 Road Safety Audit which was carried out at the request of the council to further review the public realm improvements in Keynsham High Street.

It all comes after complaints were made by dozens of people who have tripped and fallen since the works were completed in 2022.

Auditors made a series of recommendations which were then considered by the consultants who designed the scheme and the council - who agreed the changes should be made, following a design review, which took place back in 2023.

This means there'll be the installation of double yellow line markings adjacent to the kerb between the cycle lane and carriageway to provide an additional cue to pedestrians as they cross the highway.

The solid white line which demarks the edge of cycle lane will also be replaced with a broken white line to better delineate it from the kerb.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Following the Stage 4 audit report we will carry out lining work on Keynsham High Street. This mitigation should make the change in levels clearer to pedestrians and prevent further trips and falls. We are grateful for people’s patience while the audit was undertaken and the road safety report compiled, which we are acting on.”

To read the report, head to the council's website.

B&NES Council has confirmed there isn't yet a date set for the works, which will take place overnight.

Read more: Keynsham cycle lane makes high street "most dangerous in UK"

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