Traders want U-turn on access

By Bridget Cook
A GROUP of Dandenong businesses are pushing for better access to their road to allow direct entry for trucks delivering their supplies.
Businesses along Cheltenham Road, Dandenong, the former Brighton Road, are calling on VicRoads to reinstate entry into the northern side of their service road to allow direct vehicle access to their businesses.
A petition signed by 405 of the traders along with employees, customers and suppliers of the businesses was tabled at Greater Dandenong Council’s meeting on Monday night.
The council has forwarded the petition to VicRoads to review.
Agora Merchandising Group director George Iliopoulos started the petition as the current access was an inconvenience and was affecting the local businesses.
Mr Iliopoulos said the problems started when VicRoads realigned Cheltenham Road about a year ago, and their street was changed from Brighton Road.
“When trucks come and need to turn into our service road from Cheltenham Road, heading from Dandenong towards Keysborough, they have to drive about two or three kilometres past our road to do a U-turn to get access,” he said.
“Before the realignment took place, trucks used to be able to perform a U-turn and come straight into Brighton Road.
“It really only affects trucks, as cars are able to access another way. But trucks are vital for most of the businesses along here, with most of us having businesses that require trucks.
“Not just the businesses, but also customers and suppliers are very frustrated.”
Mr Iliopoulos said allowing trucks to perform U-turns outside their road or traffic lights would help ease the problem.
Mr Iliopoulos said they were seeking support from the council to help put the pressure on VicRoads to make the changes.
Greater Dandenong Councillor Jim Memeti tabled the significant petition at this week’s council meeting.
“I want it to be known how many people it affected,” he said.
“We now have to try and work on how we can make it better for these businesses.
“We just have to wait for a response from VicRoads now.”