Transport Minister Corey Wingard has refused to undertake any upgrades of pedestrian crossings at the Haines/Redbanks/Dawkins Roads Roundabout at Willaston despite the road safety risks for students walking to and from school each day.
In response to concerns raised by local residents and Xavier College local Member of Parliament Tony Piccolo wrote to Marshall Liberal Government Transport Minister Corey Wingard requesting the road safety issues be investigated.
In his response, Mr Wingard said “[based] on the current layout and traffic volumes, DIT has advised these intersections are preforming satisfactorily at the current time and there are no plans for the intersections to be upgraded”.
Mr Piccolo said he was horrified by the Minister’s response as hundreds of young people have to dodge vehicles to cross the road at this very busy intersection.
“Young people should not have to put their lives at risk just to go to school.”
This is contrary to the local feedback received by Mr Piccolo who has been contacted by residents who are concerned about the risks for pedestrians and motorists, particularly at the busy school drop-off and pick up times.
“The roundabout is always a heavy traffic zone for people coming off and entering the expressway,” said Mr Piccolo.
“Everyone who drives through this busy intersection notices the large number of local school children walking to school at Xavier College in big groups, often spilling out onto the road when the footpath narrows or disappears.”
“Students often have to wait to pick gaps in the traffic to plot their way across the busy roundabout, which has five entry and exit points.”
“Some days it is like Russian roulette.”
“We should not be putting children in these risky situations. It isn’t fair on them and it is not fair on drivers who are trying to do the right thing.”
“Wider footpaths and some pedestrian refuges would certainly improve safety at this location.”
“It is disappointing that the Minister is not taking this more seriously and I would suggest he come out personally to see for himself just how busy it gets.”