By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
A LOCAL MP has renewed a call for traffic lights to be installed at the intersection of Killara Road and Maroondah Highway in Coldstream.
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe visited Coldstream with state Shadow Minister for Roads Ryan Smith on Thursday 30 June to continue years of lobbying for traffic lights.
“In 2001, I tabled a petition calling for the installation of traffic lights at this intersection, and subsequently raised the matter in parliament on no fewer than seven separate occasions,” Ms Fyffe said.
Ms Fyffe said the increase in tourism to the area had seen a greater impact on the local traffic being able to enter and exit Killara road safely.
Local resident Delia Dewar agreed that traffic lights at the intersection would make driving for both locals and tourists safer and more efficient.
“I find particularly on the weekends to do right hand turn from Killara Road onto the highway is virtually impossible, you can sit there for 20 minutes waiting,” she said.
“I have lived here for 12 years, and the volume of traffic is increasing.
“We want to see tourism increasing, but for the residents this intersection is a nightmare.”
Ms Dewar also said the road surface of the intersection was deteriorating and desperately needed to be repaired.
“Also the road is very bad, when I try to turn left from Killara Road, the road is broken; there are big puddles and it is tricky to get out of there as well.”
VicRoads Metro East regional director Aidan McGann said that the Killara Road and Maroondah highway intersection was not currently being considered for safety upgrades.
“We have constantly been monitoring the safety and operation of this intersection in Coldstream,” he said.
“The intersection operates well if road users are patient and considerate.”
Ms Dewar says the increase in traffic means being patient is no longer an option for locals.
“It’s a very difficult spot because you have buses on the right and trucks that park on left hand side of the highway because of the hamburger place, then there is station street coming out onto the highway almost opposite Killara.
“I have waited 20 minutes or more to get out of Killara Road, and I’m sure there will be a major crash with people who are impatient.”
Mr McGann said VicRoads assessed the safety of an intersection, taking into consideration factors such as the speed limits of the intersecting roads, the number of pedestrians, the volume of vehicles and the historical crash record.
“VicRoads will continue to monitor the safety and operation of the intersection and work with the Yarra Ranges Council on a long-term strategic plan for roads in Coldstream,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Roads Ryan Smith was critical of the Andrews Government’s road funding priorities and accused the government of playing politics with the safety of drivers.
“It is disappointing to think that we have so many unsafe intersections because decisions by Labor are being made for political outcomes rather than safety outcomes.”
“Even more importantly, both the Coldstream and Gruyere CFAs are located on Killara Road. When they struggle to get onto the Maroondah Highway, it delays response times in emergencies,” Mr Smith said.
