Traffic lights plea

By Kath Gannaway
LIBERAL candidate for Evelyn, Christine Fyffe, has called for traffic lights to be installed in Coldstream in a bid to improve safety for residents and assist local businesses.
“Traffic congestion on Maroondah Highway is resulting in Coldstream businesses losing trade because people find it too hard to turn into and exit the shopping centre,” she said.
“Pedestrians take their lives in their hands trying to cross the road after getting of the bus on Maroondah Highway.”
She said a petition signed by local residents, which she tabled in Parliament in September 2001, had called for immediate action, but nothing had been done.
Local business woman, Elaine Nichols, of Val Nichols Real Estate, supported the call for improvements to the highway.
She said the recent sealing of feeder roads from Healesville and the Warburton Highway leading to Killara Road had increased the volume of traffic.
“People turning right have to wait for so long they sometimes pull out and end up sitting in the middle of the highway,” she said.
“Because Killara is a single lane, people wanting to turn left can’t see what’s coming.”
Mrs Nichols said of major concern to her was that drivers don’t stop for the CFA trucks coming from Killara Road.
Member for Evelyn Heather McTaggart said she is in contact with community groups in Coldstream and the issue had not been raised.
“I have met with the CFA specifically about their concerns which are being taken up through their regional office,” Ms McTaggart said.
She said any concerns about pedestrian safety, congestion and the effect on traders would require a thorough investigation.
“I will certainly investigate any concerns the community has in regard to safety and traffic congestion and raise these issues with the Minister for Transport,” she said.