Parents and staff at a Warrnambool primary school are calling for improved pedestrian safety measures at a central traffic hotspot.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
St Joseph’s Primary School principal Michael Gray has written to all 700 parents urging them to sign a petition calling for a review of existing crossings on busy Botanic and Queens roads.
Mr Gray drafted the letter to the Warrnambool City Council after parents had raised concerns that the intersection was a “dangerous corner”.
“The Warrnambool community need available safe pedestrian access to the Aquazone swimming recreational facility, the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, area car parking and St Joseph’s Primary School,” Mr Gray said.
“Patronage in and around these facilities continues to grow and the current infrastructure is inadequate, dangerous and not pedestrian friendly.”
Mr Gray said recent changes had helped but not eliminated the problem.
“Changing traffic to 40 (km) has slowed things down and moving the bus depot further west along Botanic Road has also helped,” he said
“But his has become a really busy precinct and I think its time conditions were reviewed.”
Parents at the school are also weighing in on the subject.
Concerned father John Rae said the crossing would be safer moved further south on Queens Road.
“I think the crossing should be up the hill more, at least 15 to 20 metres,” he said. “Cars are approaching the roundabout too quickly and when you’re giving way to your right by the time you look left kids have already started crossing.”
Mr Rae said the age of the children was also a factor to consider.
“We’re talking about primary school aged kids who are still learning road skills,” he said.
Principal Michael Gray said he had approached Warrnambool City Council and Aquazone management with his concerns.
A Council spokesperson confirmed the contact.
“We have recently been advised that St Joseph’s Primary School would like to meet with Council to discuss pedestrian safety on Queens Road. We are happy to meet with the school to discuss their concerns and determine the most appropriate way to proceed.”
