REPEATED warnings that an unmarked school crossing on Phillip Island Road, near Gap Road, is an accident waiting to happen seems to be falling on deaf ears.
“Why is it so difficult to get the Department of Transport to act?” asked Bass Coast Shire Councillor Tim O’Brien at last week’s council meeting.
Calling for urgent action on the school crossing, Cr Tracey Bell said parents are concerned about the longstanding and unresolved safety issue affecting children commuting from Wimbledon Heights to Cowes Primary School, Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School, and Newhaven College.
“At least 64 students travel from Wimbledon Heights to school every day, and most rely on their parents to drive them because the crossing is too risky.”
Residents have been working to raise awareness of the dangers of the pedestrian crossing for over a decade, but nothing has been done.
“There has been little traction,” said Cr Bell.
“This crossing is extremely hazardous and poorly marked.
Many drivers are unaware it even exists Cr Bell warned.
Unlike other intersections on Phillip Island, the speed limit does not reduce to 60km/h, making it particularly unsafe for children, the area’s elderly and people with disabilities.
Compounding the problem is the lack of a school bus for families in Wimbledon Heights. The school catchment area is considered close enough to walk or cycle, the council was told last week.
But a ‘Safe road crossing Wimbledon Heights’ petition on change.org has only attracted 128 verified signatures.
“The residents of Wimbledon Heights, including children, young people and the elderly, are directly impacted by the current unsafe road conditions, particularly the pedestrian bike crossing near Bowman Road leading to Phillip Island Road,” it says.
Kids are eager to ride their bikes to school but are unable to do so safely because of high vehicle speeds at the location.
There are multiple comments to the petition:
“My teens and others want to be able to walk and ride into town, but they don’t because they feel unsafe crossing the main road. Trying to instil and develop independence and healthy living are so important. However, we need to ensure their safety,” says one local resident.
Adding her support for urgent action on the crossing at Wednesday’s meeting, Cr Jan Thompson said it was a dangerous road for adults, let alone children.
“Motorists do not adhere to the speed limits and don’t have sufficient time to slow down if a child or adult is on the road.
“Parents calling out for action over the years have been met with a silent bureaucracy,” said Cr Thompson.
“It’s time we acted and make a commitment to protect these children.”
Everyone chimed in with unanimous support for Cr Bell’s ‘Urgent Safety Concerns’ initiative at last week’s meeting, earning warm praise from fellow Island Ward councillor Ron Bauer.
‘Looking at crossing options’ says Crugnale MP
THE efforts of Island Ward Councillor Tracey Bell to get some action on a safer crossing of Phillip Island Road at Wimbledon Heights has been heard by Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.
And meetings with the relevant government department already look promising.
“Following recent discussions between the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and Bass Coast Shire Council, I can confirm that DTP is investigating options to improve pedestrian safety when crossing Phillip Island Road near Wimbledon Heights,” said Jordan Crugnale this week.
“Potential treatments under consideration include, but are not limited to, formalised crossing points and supporting infrastructure such as refuges, road markings, signing, and holding rails.
“Changes to the existing speed zones to support these treatments will also be examined.
“The investigation will also consider potential funding sources for any recommended treatments.
“DTP will continue to work with Council to identify suitable treatment options and to secure funding, both for the short, medium, and longer term.”
