SAFETY measures are set to be carried out to eliminate blindspots at the entrance to a car park at Bradford Interchange.
The planning proposal, submitted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to Bradford Council, calls for the removal of nine metres of a glazed lean-to lightwell and associated dwarf supporting wall over the underground short stay car park.
It is hoped the move will boost visibility lines of the car park entrance and exit at the Bridge Street site and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.
A suspended infill deck would also be built within the void.
People will not be able to climb the wall as the application features the installation of powder-coated railings.
After the supporting wall and section of lightwell have been removed, the retaining wall between the car park and highway will be reduced to its maximum limit of 60cm from ground level.
The exposed internal face of the retaining wall will be given a stone cladding finish.
The proposal has been welcomed by bus company First.
A First spokesman said: "The safety of all our customers, staff and other road users is a priority at First and therefore we welcome improvements that improves road safety."
Bradford Interchange has seen several accidents over recent years.
A bus conductor employed by First suffered a serious head injury in September 2013 in an accident in Bridge Street outside the station.
The 53-year-old conductor was collecting fares at the back of the number 72 Hyperlink bendy bus service to Leeds when a vehicle pulled out in front of the bus, causing it to brake sharply.
The conductor was thrown forward, hitting his head on a metal step. He did not return to work for First and no longer works for the company.
Documentation accompanying the planning application states: "Vision of pedestrians to taxis entering the Interchange from the ring road direction of Bridge Street is limited, however, due to the presence of the retaining wall between the highway and car park.
"Existing access routes into the station will remain.
"Due to the presence of the retaining wall, visibility is restricted and vehicles tend to 'edge out' into the road to identify the presence of any oncoming traffic.
"West Yorkshire Combined Authority is now seeking to improve the visibility of the entrance to the car park in order to improve safety of the junction for all users.
"It is the intention of West Yorkshire Combined Authority to implement these works as soon as practicably possible following approval."
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