By Laura Michell
Craigieburn commuters want a proposed new train station carpark to include CCTV cameras and safe, weather-protected pedestrian access, a VicTrack survey has found.
Some commuters are also concerned the carpark’s proposed location is too far from the station and will add to congestion problems on the Hume Highway.
The state government is planning to build the new 745-space carpark on the eastern edge of the Hume Highway, directly east of the station.
Funding for the project was announced in last year’s state budget.
The new carpark will link with the station via a footpath.
A VicTrack survey of 200 people found 72 per cent of respondents wanted the government to ensure the new carpark offered safe pedestrian access to the station, calling for a weather-protected signalised crossing or pedestrian overpass to cross the highway.
Commuters also raised concerns about security, with 60 per cent saying they wanted CCTV cameras and lights installed, and for Protective Services Officers to monitor the carpark.
Thirty-nine per cent said the proposed location was too far, while 17 per cent urged the government to avoid increasing congestion on the Hume Highway due to drivers entering and exiting the station.
Some commuters (22 per cent) called for a multi-level carpark to be built closer to the station.
Commuters also suggested the new carpark feature multiple entry and exit points, real-time timetable displays and a coffee shop.
VicTrack said the new carpark would be designed to maximise the number of parking spaces at the north-east end of the site, closest to the station.
“A pedestrian path will be built under the Hume Highway, along Potter Street. The path will be protected by a safety barrier to ensure the safety of pedestrians travelling between the carpark and the station,” VicTrack said.
“A pedestrian crossing will be built across Potter Street and will be signalised. We will also upgrade the pedestrian crossing over the railway tracks.”
