Plans to move half of a zebra crossing so it is closer to Fullwell Cross roundabout have been thrown out.

The changes were axed after councillors said they were “unnecessary”.

The proposals, which would have seen the zebra crossing in Craven Gardens, Barkingside, split in to two with a new section moved closer to the roundabout, were suggested to improve traffic conditions and prevent accidents in the road.

The busy pedestrian crossing is used particularly during around the start and end of the school day.

Speaking at Wednesday’s area committee three meeting held in Redbridge Sports and Leisure Centre, Forest Road, Barkingside, Conservative Cllr Nick Hayes said: “If we move the crossing further away from the entrance to Craven Gardens [car park], people are less likely to use it and then the safety issue is removed altogether.”

There were two accidents that caused injuries between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2011 in Craven Gardens. Neither were fatal.

Conservative Cllr David Poole added: “From a driver’s perspective, I believe it would be harder to see people at a staggered crossing.”

The estimated cost of the upgrade was �48,622.

Committee chairman and Conservative Cllr Alex Phillips said: “With an equal vote, it seems a big financial dent for something that is already fine and works as it is, and there have only been two minor accidents. It is an unnecessary expense.”

The cost of the scheme would have been funded entirely by the 2011-12 accident remediation local safety programme and maintenance costs of �500 a year would have come from the highways maintenance budget.