A vicious, violent threat has struck again in Manchester city centre. Yes, the automated, telescopic bollards at St Mary's Gate outside Marks & Spencer have claimed another victim. First it was cars trying to tailgate Metroshuttle buses past the bollards that got attacked. Then the buses themselves became victims. They even attacked a fire engine in December.
The latest incident occurred this week and the Manchester Evening News reports that three people were injured when the front of the First-operated Optare Solo was struck by a bollard raising too early.
Manchester City Council is now reviewing use of the bollards, which stop general traffic using parts of Cross Street and Corporation Street during daytimes. While it's certainly nice to be able to cross the road outside the Arndale Centre without worrying about traffic, it's clear the bollards aren't a perfect answer to the problem. Might a human-operated barrier be more effective in the long run?
[Image credit: a previous Metroshuttle/bollard collision, by Minnie81 on Flickr]
After one too many encounters with the rogue clampers and car park operators in Manchester, I'd rather take my chances with Robo Bollard!
Posted by: Filter Parkes | March 23, 2009 at 06:22 PM
I say leave them there. Makes interesting viewing seeing the videos on you tube of people trying to go through.
Posted by: Simon, Riverside. | March 28, 2009 at 05:28 AM
Looks like it might stay. Manchester City Council have defended the bollards. Story in MEN today also suggests that the driver of the Metroshuttle bus moved too soon and crashed into the bollard before it had been fully lowered.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1105610_rising_bollards__still_a_hit
Posted by: Shaun | March 31, 2009 at 05:50 PM