Grandview - I am Worried
Wednesday, 16 November 2011 09:11
Readers will be aware that I have on many occasions expressed my concerns regarding safety in our local area. I am particularly alarmed by the danger of motorists and pedestrians colliding at the corner of Grandview Rd and Moggill Rd.
My office continues to get frequent reports of near misses and lucky escapes with school children and other public transport users crossing Moggill Road near the bus stop at the Grandview Road intersection.
Any readers who have ever crossed at this location will know exactly what I mean. It is extremely dangerous. Increasingly, very concerned motorists are approaching me in relation to near misses and in some cases actual collisions.
I made an impassioned plea to the Main Roads Minister in Parliament following the recent collision between a vehicle and a school student (fortunately not resulting in injury).
To read that speech click here.
The Department of Transport and Main Road’s response has to my mind been wholly inadequate. They have previously conceded that the location is dangerous and that the most effective way of rendering it safe would be to install lights and a pedestrian crossing at the intersection. However, in the next breath they indicate that such a solution is too expensive for them to put forward or recommend to government!
They have made an array of other suggestions and are currently re-working yet another study of safety in the area!
They are currently considering locating a pedestrian refuge in the middle of the road!
They have also suggested the need to improve the unofficial park and ride at this bus stop on the nearby Energex land. This would certainly be a good idea but we have suggested it many times previously and had no positive response.
This is one of those situations where we know that the risk of serious injury or even death is unacceptably high but are thwarted by the government’s unwillingness to spend the money to make it safe.
I know that there are innumerable intersection and road issues that seek funding for one solution or another. It is however clear that in this location the danger is real and it is not acceptable.
Previously hundreds of local residents have also signed petitions to the state government.
I have written yet again to the Minister to underscore my concern. To read my letter to the Minister click here.