Safe crossing call

By Melissa Meehan
DANDENONG North parents worried about the safety of children at the Murray Road and Outlook Drive intersection have petitioned City of Greater Dandenong Council to install a supervised crossing .
Petition organiser and mother of three Melissa Kendall said her children walk to school every day with 10 other kids in her street.
“The point that they cross, between Murray Road and Outlook Drive, isn’t the safest,” she said. “Apparently there used to be a crossing there, but there wasn’t enough kids crossing so the council took away the supervisor. That is understandable, but I think there are enough kids now to reinstate one.”
She said that it was up to parents to ensure students crossed the road safely, but as kids got older parents wanted to give them some freedom.
“When they reach grade five and six you want to let them get a bit of freedom and walk by themselves,” she said. “But with the situation as it is, it’s not safe.”
Another mother, Sue Wood said her kids walked to school every now and then but were hoping to walk more often next year.
“They try to promote a healthy lifestyle, but with cars flying past it’s a concern,” she said. “It would be great if a member of the community put their hand up or council reinstated someone.”
Mona Berjaoui said while she drove her kids to school she witnessed the dangerous crossing.
“I drive past, especially in the afternoons and can see the kids struggling to cross,” she said. “Some walk on their own, so I try to stop and let them pass.”
All three women said while there were two other crossings nearby a third crossing and supervisor were a necessity.
“We don’t need one of the others to be moved,” Ms Berjaoui said. “It is necessary to add a third crossing.”
Greater Dandenong councillor Maria Sampey received the petition in late February and tabled it at last week’s council meeting.
“I spoke to council officers who said they would look at the petition and review the situation,” she said. “But it’s not all our decision. Vic Roads helps with funding, too.”
Council Regulatory Services manager Peter Shelton said a crossing supervisor was employed a number of years ago to operate at the corner of Murray Road and Outlook Drive in Dandenong North.
“This crossing was subsequently closed because there were not enough people using it at the time to justify its retention,” he said. “Council follows criteria set out in the VicRoads Traffic Engineering Manual to determine where children’s crossings may be placed.”
He said guidelines allow for a supervised crossing when on a normal school day 20 or more children cross the road within 20 metres of the proposed site and more than 50 vehicles pass per hour. “Like all petitions council receives, it will be reviewed and acted on in due course.”