Risky roulette

By Bridget Brady
Erica Maliki, a Hampton Park resident of 23 years, said St Kevin’s Primary School students needed traffic lights installed for a right-hand turn lane at the school crossing on Hallam Road before a tragedy occurred.
“How someone hasn’t been killed at that school crossing amazes me,” she said.
“It’s so dangerous there, it definitely needs lights.”
St Kevin’s Primary School principal Tom Coghlan said the school community had been worried about the crossing for years.
A school crossing on a busy road with a high volume of traffic was a dangerous combination, Mr Coghlan said.
“It’s become such a busy road. Down here at 3.30pm the traffic is banked up…everyone seems to be in a hurry,” Mr Coghlan said.
The school crossing supervisor had concerns about driver behaviour on Hallam Road, and noticed some exceeding the speed limit, Mr Coghlan said.
Narre Warren South Labor MP Judith Graley has called on Roads Minister Tim Pallas to improve pedestrian safety at Hallam Road.
Mr Coghlan said he was grateful for any support.
“I’m really glad that she (Ms Graley) has raised it again. I thought it was a bit buried and am really grateful that she is keeping it to the fore.”
Calls to duplicate Hallam Road have reignited after two fatal collisions on the corner of Hallam and Ormond roads last year.
Ms Maliki said the school community should not have to wait until the possible upgrade of Hallam Road before lights were installed.
“Hallam Road may not be duplicated for a couple of years. The safety of those children is at risk every day,” Ms Maliki said.
Ms Graley said she was still campaigning for the duplication of Hallam Road, and felt positive about an outcome in relation to the traffic lights, but would have to wait and see what was included in the budget.
“We’re doing our best to bring it to the government’s attention. We’ve had a very good hearing.
“Unfortunately the community has experienced some tragic car accidents in recent times so we are all well aware of the need to make our community members better drivers and our community a safer place for commuters and pedestrians,” Ms Graley said.