By CASEY NEILL
STOP signs and a traffic island have not improved a dangerous Dandenong intersection, says a long-time campaigner for lights at Scott and Thomas streets.
A woman in her 80s was taken to hospital with minor injuries following a two-car collision at the junction on 18 June, reigniting Lamis Albyati’s plea for traffic signals.
“I always pray and cross,” she said.
She reached out to the Journal last August after frequently witnessing crashes since the roundabout that previously controlled the intersection was removed in 2009.
City of Greater Dandenong engineering services director Julie Reid said the council had since installed splitter islands.
“And there now are a total of four stop signs installed at this intersection,” she said.
“There is really no excuse for a competent driver to not see at least one of the stop signs as they approach along Thomas Street.”
Ms Reid said the recent crash involved an 88-year-old driver who failed to stop.
“The incident was only minor and the police advised that the ambulance was called only as a precaution due to the motorist’s age and not because of any specific injury sustained,” she said.
But Ms Albyati, who works in an office at the corner, said the new measures had not fixed the problems.
“I definitely think it needs lights,” she said.
“People are confused, they don’t know what to do.
“Even if you are sure about yourself and that you’re doing the right thing, you’re not sure about the others, what they are thinking.”
Ms Albyati avoids the area and said colleagues felt the same way.
“It’s the most crowded area in Dandenong. It has to be safe. Otherwise… I don’t know what will happen,” she said.
She said many new arrivals to Australia used the intersection and had not yet adjusted to new traffic laws and customs.
“The first day when we arrived, the committee guide came and took us to AMES,” she said.
“He took us to Thomas Street and I was nearly killed at the roundabout because of a bus, because I was looking at the other side of the road.
“I looked to the left and then I crossed.”
On the Journal’s Facebook page, Amo Lochery said the measures hadn’t improved safety.
“It’s a Formula One circuit,” she said.
Lu Fred said: “Why not have a traffic light installed at that point? It has been suggested many times.”
