Traffic surveys of Craigieburn’s main feeder road between the old and new town precincts reveal motorists consistently speeding at more than 20km/h above the 40km/h limit during primary school drop-off and pick-up times.
At its meeting last week, Hume council resolved to seek VicRoads funding to install electronic signs, estimated to cost $40,000, to reduce speeds along Grand Boulevard between Hanson Road and Hamilton Hume Parade North.
Councillors accepted a report saying that if VicRoads funding was not available, the signs would be financed from the council’s 2013-14 budget by deferring a less urgent project.
About 17,000 vehicles use the surveyed stretch of Grand Boulevard each day, many turning on to Hanson Road to access the old town centre and railway station.
Hanson Road’s intersection with Craigieburn Road has also been the subject of long-standing concerns. There have been calls for traffic lights at the intersection as new residential estates north and east of Craigieburn add more traffic to suburban streets with few cross-town access options.
Craigieburn councillor Casey Nunn described the most recent traffic survey results as “quite shocking”.
“These are ordinary mums and dads not keeping within the 40km/h limit during school times,” Cr Nunn said.
“And at least two cars a day registered 45km/h over the limit.
“Being in a school area, it’s imperative to make sure it’s safe.”
Craigieburn Primary School principal David Naismith said he had noticed a significant increase in traffic over the past 12 months as more people moved into housing estates in the town’s north.
He said he welcomed the council’s move to install flashing speed warning signs near the school.
“They’re very apparent and will certainly alert the motorists,” Mr Naismith said.
Traffic police say they will increase patrols of Craigieburn’s speeding hotspots following the council survey.
