Street will close in student safety trial

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong Council will close Herbert Street for six months to see if it protects the lives of children crossing the road between two school sites at little cost to residents’ peace of mind.
Councillors were divided at Monday night’s meeting as to whether the road should be closed or a flagged crossing installed to accommodate for up to 8800 student movements per day across the road.
Herbert Street divides the Cleeland and Dandenong sites of the new, amalgamated Dandenong High School and a troupe of councillors led by Keysborough South Ward councillor Peter Brown have been lobbying to have a section near Ann Street closed to allow students to cross the road safely.
But his opponents, including Springvale South Ward councillor Yvonne Herring, argued that the road closure would inconvenience residents who relied on Herbert Street to access the Princes Highway.
A report to council recommended a flagged crossing, but Cr Brown successfully moved that a temporay, six-month closure of Herbert Street be implemented to see whether or not it inconvenienced residents, and how effective it was at facilitating student movements.
This week the City of Greater Dandenong said it was confirming whether or not it could close the section of road near Ann Street temporarily.
Engineering Services director Tim Tamlin said that pending the successful completion of requisite statutory procedures, Herbert Street would be closed at Ann Street for a trial period of six months.
“Council is currently checking through the statutory requirements and regulations regarding the temporary road closure,” Mr Tamlin said.
If the closure meets the requirements, it will take effect from late January in preparation for the 2008 school year.