Bypass ‘deathtrap’ warning

Tim Dark is calling for a safety review of two ''deathtrap'' intersections in Keysborough. 194556_02 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council will lobby the State Government for safety measures such as a red-light speed camera at two “death trap” intersections on Dandenong Bypass.

Cr Tim Dark, who initiated the motion for an “urgent review”, said residents had reported an alarming number of crashes at the Chapel Road and Perry Road intersections with the bypass in Keysborough.

There was a dangerous mix of drivers, some reportedly speeding well above the bypass’s 80km/h speed limit and some running the traffic lights.

Cr Dark said Keysborough CFA had been called out to 10 crashes in recent times.

“It’s become a real death trap.”

In recent weeks, a roadside warning sign with flashing orange lights has been installed on the bypass. It warns of a ‘High Risk Area. Police Enforcing Speed’.

According to VicRoads, there have been four serious injury crashes at the Chapel Road junction in the five years up to 30 June 2018.

In the same period, there have been three serious injury crashes at the Perry Road intersection.

VicRoads is set to raise both locations for consideration for road safety cameras at its next meeting with the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

“VicRoads plays an important role in helping the Department of Justice and Community Safety determine where road safety cameras should be located using our data and road management expertise,” VicRoads regional acting manager for movement and safety Devjeet Vagel said.

Fixed speed camera locations are decided by the Fixed Camera Site Selection Committee, comprising Victoria Police, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and VicRoads.

The committee also receives proposals from the public.