A CAMPAIGN for heavy trucks to be banned from taking shortcuts through residential Dennington has failed again — but there is hope promised new traffic lights will ease the problem.
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Cr Peter Hulin was unable to change the status quo when he put a notice of motion to last week’s Warrnambool city council meeting calling for temporary signs prohibiting unauthorised trucks from using Baynes Street and Harrington Road to access the Warrnambool industrial estate.
It was defeated on a 4-3 vote, similar to previous attempts which failed after indications that VicRoads had deemed a ban was unwarranted.
Cr Hulin reminded his colleagues that in 2008 a petition with 200 signatures from Dennington residents was presented to the council.
“Six years later the problem remains. Trucks still use the area,” he said.
“There’s a very simple solution — three signs.
“Surely we can help the 200 people and the Dennington Community Assocation and put signs up until lights are installed then reassess the situation.
“The GPS devices in trucks could well be sending drivers into these areas.”
Councillors Brian Kelson and Peter Sycopoulis supported the push, saying loaded trucks used the streets as a shortcut between the Princes Highway and the industrial estate, annoying residents.
Association president David Kelson told The Standard yesterday it was hoped installation of traffic signals on Rooneys Road leading to the industrial estate would mean more truck traffic using that route.
“There will be no excuses then for unauthorised drivers to take their rigs through the residential streets, but it won’t stop all trucks unless there’s a deterrent,” Mr Kelson said.
“There seems to be a delay in the lights project.
“The installation contract went to tender in January and I’ve sent another letter to VicRoads seeking clarification on when it would be finalised.”
City infrastructure director Peter Robertson told councillors VicRoads had given a vague indication it would be completed this financial year.
Another set of traffic lights has been promised for Dennington near the Woolworths supermarket to improve pedestrian safety.
Mr Kelson said traffic signals would not solve another persistent annoyance for residents — noisy pumps on tankers collecting water from the Harrington Road ponds.
“It’s a very high-pitched noise that goes through closed doors and windows during daytime,” Mr Kelson said.
