The Historic Core Zone proposed for the centre of Bradford on Avon involves replacing two zebra crossings with 15 courtesy crossings, which according to Gerald Milward-Oliver in the Wiltshire Times are designed to make it safer for pedestrians to cross. However not so safe for blind or partially sighted pedestrians who cannot make eye contact with the motorist.

As reported in Wiltshire Times March 7, the mayor of Trowbridge has recently walked around Trowbridge blindfolded in order to experience what it would be like for blind people. He was reported as saying: “After having an experience like that I’d encourage those who are planning crossings to have a go as it’s hard to make a judgement without experiencing what it's actually like.”.

Perhaps John Potter, mayor of Bradford, and Gerald Milward Oliver would like to do the same and try using courtesy crossings while blindfolded.They may not then be so keen to deprive the town of the zebra crossings when so many people are really concerned about losing them. Almost 1,200 people signed to save the zebra, and other towns which have tried the scheme have had to put them back, in Warwick and Julian Road, Bath. What a waste of money that would be, let’s have some common sense instead.

Surely we can have the HCZ and keep the zebra crossings.

Christine Steel, Palairet Close, Bradford on Avon.