Round About Time Round About Time

Residents close to the St Georges Road and Merri Parade roundabout in Northcote have formed a lobby group, demanding authorities fix the notorious intersection.

Round About Time (RAT) spokeswoman and Charles St resident Erica Garland said the accident frequency at the multi-road intersection seemed set to increase as more users tried to get through.

"That will obviously increase the already too-high number of collisions we see and hear,'' she said. "I know it's a terrible thing to say, but is this one of those situations where nothing is done until there's a fatality?''

Ms Garland said she had received a positive response from residents keen to join RAT and help fight the ``years of inaction by VicRoads''.

Elizabeth St's Jessica Migotto said a neighbouring family was moving out because they didn't want to bring up children close to the roundabout.

``I heard four accidents last week, ' she said. ``It's inevitable someone will die there. It's about time some traffic lights were set up.''

Northcote state Labor MP Fiona Richardson in Parliament asked Roads Minister Tim Pallas to get a report from VicRoads into how safety at the intersection could be improved.

``I'd like a detailed report about the crash incidences and what measures can be done to improve safety,'' she told the Leader.

``If we get the empirical information about the roundabout we can then make an informed decision about the measures to resolve safety. For example, removing the shrubbery may not prevent crashes.''

A Government spokesman confirmed Mr Pallas has asked VicRoads for a report on the intersection. Last week, the Leader reported VicRoads had recorded 14 crashes at the roundabout between January 2001 and December 2005.
VicRoads regional manager Rob Freemantle said signs and lighting could be improved to increase visibility.

Fix crossing push
by Heather Gallagher
Northcote Leader
26Mar 2007

❊ Address ❊

 ⊜  St Georges Road and Merri Parade Northcote 3070 View Map

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Round About Time 

➼ www.northcoteleader.com.au






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