Upper Lachlan Shire Council is demanding action by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for its lack of action to safeguard pedestrians using the crossing on Goulburn Street.
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A confidential report returned to council by RMS is believed to contain the results of a safety audit conducted at the site.
“An application will be submitted under the NSW Transport Active Transport for 2019/20 program to seek funds to investigate options for a raised zebra crossing,” said a spokesperson for RMS.
However, Floyd Davies co-owner of IGA who tabled a petition in council containing 1500 signatures earlier this year, is concerned that no further action will be taken.
Council is unanimous and we will continue to lobby on behalf of the community, said Mursaleen Shah director of works and operations.
“We have a greater stake in this town, the council will raise it at the appropriate level until we have satisfied the need appropriate to the community.
“It is the centre of our town, and we can’t ignore it,” said Mr Shah.
In June, signage, and line marking improvement work was carried out. “Signs and the line markings, has it fully addressed the concern? Probably not,” he added.
It is not the first time the crossing has been reviewed by the state body.
In 2010, a safety audit that assessed traffic movements, traffic speed and the number of pedestrians were used to assess the need for improvements to the crossing was completed by the Roads and Traffic Authority.
We have a greater stake in this town.
- Mursaleen Shah, director of works and operations
This followed residents concerned about traffic speeding through the crossing and ignoring its presence.
Narelle Scott and Amanda Merryfull, employed at IGA said there is a near miss almost every day.
The squeal of brakes can often be heard as people slam on the brakes to avoid an incident, said Mrs Scott.
“I don’t know the solution but something needs to be done,” said Mrs Merryfull.
“The crossing is in a low-speed environment (50km/h limit) with sight distance on both approaches to the crossing well above the standard requirements, is well lit and has good night visibility, There have been no recorded crashes at this location in the five years to 31 March this year,” RMS said.
