IN ADVANCE of proposals to run extra trains to and from Petersfield a lobby group has put forward plans for pedestrian crossings on rat run roads used to avoid delays at the level crossing.

The Petersfield Society says the six trains an hour that pass through Petersfield means the rail crossing barriers on Station Road can close the road for up to 30 minutes an hour.

This could become 40 minutes, says society transport spokesman Peter Lindon, if two extra trains an hour are introduced in December by service operator South Western Railway, as is being considered.

In an informative report to the Petersfield Town Development committee meeting on February 9, he says the current closures cause traffic issues in the town.

He also said that the extra trains will drive more motorists to use Swan Street, Charles Street, The Spain and Frenchmans Road to avoid the barriers.

This could make it harder for pedestrians to get from the town to the Swan Street surgery and the hospital, and even put them at risk crossing the roads, he said.

He added: “While additional trains are always welcome, it would mean the barriers being down for up to 40 minutes an hour.

“The wider effects of this remain to be seen, but the ‘rat run’ is certain to become even busier.

“The Petersfield Society is concerned about the severance between the town and the surgery and hospital this will cause, and the road safety issues, and has examined some low cost options that could be implemented before December.”

The society is recommending that pedestrian crossings should be created on Swan Street, perhaps opposite the hospital, and on Charles Street near the junction with Swan Street, to help walkers.

It is also recommended that a sign at the junction of College Street and Station Road directing Winchester traffic along Station Road, is replaced by one directing it up Ramshill and on to the A3.

The Petersfield Society report is also due to go to a meeting of East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership on April 18.

The partnership is aimed at promoting rail use from Petersfield, Liss, Liphook and Rowlands Castle, and spokesman Mark Miller said any road concerns were the responsibility of Hampshire County Council to resolve.

He added: “It’s recognised that more trains will increase traffic using routes to avoid the barriers, but I don’t think South Western Railway would fund the proposed pedestrian crossings.

“And there aren’t any plans to change the level crossing, such as putting a road bridge over it, or a tunnel under it.

“But the rail partnership is happy to work with organisations to develop a sustainable transport plan for the town.”