MOUNT Gambier City Council will write to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) highlighting concerns over traffic safety issues on White Avenue between Shepherdson Road and Tollner Road.
The decision follows a four vehicle collision on the state managed road in June – an accident that occurred only 100 metres from Tenison Woods College during heavy traffic at school rush hour.
Tenison Woods College had previously lobbied to reduce the 60kph speed limit on White Avenue, which runs parallel to the R-12 school, to no avail.
Council will seek a meeting with DPTI and Tenison Woods College to discuss traffic management options to improve safety on the “hellish” section of road.
Elected members resolved to take further action after DPTI determined the installation of no stopping zones on White Avenue would alleviate traffic safety concerns.
“I picked up my grandchildren from Tenison last week and observed the situation firsthand during the peak afternoon time and during a little bit of rain,” Councillor Des Mutton said.
“It certainly is a very dangerous situation – there is no school crossing there and there were children waiting for gaps in the traffic and darting across the road.
“There are cars coming in both directions, mothers and fathers hurrying to get the kids home and get back to work – it’s a hellish section of road.”
Council this month received a report from DPTI which recommended no stopping zones be installed 78m to 118m north of the entrance to Malseed Park on the western side of White Avenue and 10m to 40m north of the Shepherdson Road intersection on the eastern side of the road, to apply at all times.
Cr Mutton suggested council staff attend the site with DPTI representatives during school rush hour.
“If DPTI are prepared to meet with us I suggest we take the representatives out there to see it during that peak time so they understand just how perilous that section of road is,” he said.
“It’s an accident waiting to happen and there’s a strong possibility a child will be badly injured or killed there in the near future.
“I would like DPTI to consider reducing the speed limit to 25kph from the Tenison senior school driveway to the Shepherdson Road corner.”
Council moved to install the no stopping zones, to be effective on the installation of appropriate signage.
Council staff will prepare a report outlining further traffic management options before meeting with DPTI representatives.
