School rules

By Lia Bichel
David Burton submitted a petition with 119 signatures to the council last week urging them to remove one of two pedestrian crossings on Browns Road and replace it with traffic lights to help ease the congestion and make it safer.
Mr Burton said there was no need for two pedestrian crossings since the Carwatha Primary School and college amalgamated. “Because there are two school crossings outside, there is a build-up of traffic twice a day- in the morning at about 9am and at the finish of school at about 3.15,” he said.
“Some people get stuck in traffic for about 10 minutes. It has created a major problem. It’s also dangerous. In the worst case scenario, some kids are going to try and cross the road in between vehicles and someone is going to get hurt. Prevention is better than a cure.”
Rex Diaz, who lives on Browns Road, said he also worried about being involved in a car accident when he left his home in peak traffic hours.
“People park along the streets and traffic is backed up – I can’t get out of my driveway,” he said.
“If I wanted to get out in a hurry, I couldn’t. I sometimes have to wait about 10 to 15 minutes until I can get a clear view. I am worried about having a car accident.”
Nearby Wren Drive resident Dawn Devond attends yoga most mornings, but often has a long wait before she can turn onto Browns Road.
“I’ll wait for about 15 minutes before someone gives me space to turn onto the road,” she said.
City of Greater Dandenong Silverleaf Ward councillor Maria Sampey has thrown her support behind the residents.
“I really think it needs to be looked at. Browns Road is becoming very heavy with traffic, and sometimes it can be banked all the way back to Police Road,” she said.
“I just think one crossing would be enough.” City of Greater Dandenong Engineer Services Director Bruce Rendall said the council was taking the concerns outlined in the petition very seriously.
“The council is investigating the safety issues raised at Browns Road, Noble Park by methods including a pedestrian count and by holding formal discussions with the school,” he said.
“Once the council has completed its investigations it will respond to the petitioners.”