A Hume councillor is calling for safety improvements along a key Kalkallo road that has been the site of an “abundance of near misses”.
During council’s July 14 meeting, Yubup Ward councillor Ally Watson asked council officers to prepare a report on opportunities to improve the safety of Toyon Road between Dwyer Street and Cloverton Boulevard.
The request was backed by her fellow councillors, with officers expected to provide a report to council in December.
Cr Watson said Toyon Road is a key east-west road in Kalkallo which provides connections to Gilgai Plains Primary School, Kalkallo Community Centre and kindergarten, a recreation reserve and shops and carries a high volume of foot and vehicle traffic day and night.
Parking bays along the side of the road are regularly used by parents and carers during school drop-offs and pick-ups.
Despite the 40km/h speed limit, vehicles are often witnessed travelling at much higher speeds, Cr Watson said.
She said residents have reported an abundance of near misses and challenges crossing the road on foot, adding that she had personally attended an incident in which a young person was hit while on their bike.
“The community has had enough, I have had enough,” Cr Watson said.
“Those wanting to use the crossing near the shops are often hidden from driver’s sight lines due to parked cars, only becoming visible when they set foot on the road. That’s a scary moment for anyone, but especially for our parents pushing a pram ahead of them.
“Safety improvements are desperately needed along Toyon Road to keep our community safe.”
The location of the school crossing – at a T-intersection – was another cause for concern among residents, Cr Watson said.
“I believe one of our school crossing supervisors recently decided that role was no longer for them due to the safety concerns,” she said.
The council report will provide information about traffic and speed counts along Toyon Road, and options for safety improvements for the road, footpaths and crossings.
Council officers will also consult with the local community to better understand their issues and concerns.
