Bad for business

By Bridget Cook
CRANBOURNE’S High Street is at risk of becoming a “ghost town” if something is not done about traffic and pedestrian safety concerns, says Casey councillor Kevin Bradford.
With some businesses struggling and closing recently, councillors resolved at last week’s council meeting to again push for the Cranbourne bypass and installation of safety measures along the street.
The call came after VicRoads gave support for the lowering of the speed limit through High Street, but said it would not fund it as there are other road safety improvement projects ranked higher.
High Street forms part of a state highway, is lined by about 300 metres of businesses, has kerbside parking and frequent pedestrian movements.
In a letter to the council, VicRoads stated it would not object if the council wished to provide the funding to install the part-time 40km/h electronic, time-based speed signs along High Street at a cost of about $140,000.
However, the council said it was not in a position to fund direct works on a state arterial road which is the direct responsibility of VicRoads.
Cr Bradford said he knew of one business that closed last week after nine years on High Street, because it could no longer survive.
“There are numerous businesses facing the same outcome,” he said.
“A lot of businesses along the main street are doing it tough.
“If things don’t improve dramatically, and most businesses don’t have confidence in that happening, then the main street in Cranbourne will become a ghost town.”
Cr Bradford said both the lowering of the speed limit and the need for the Cranbourne bypass goes hand in hand.
“The Cranbourne bypass is needed for survival,” he said.
Councillor Amanda Stapledon, who has been a strong advocator for safety improvements in High Street, agreed.
Cr Stapledon has raised the issues of lowering the speed limit three times in as many years and also made a request to VicRoads to increase the pedestrian crossing timing to allow seniors, people with a disability and mothers with young toddlers, to get across the road directly without having to wait in the middle of the road.
“I am disappointed and dismayed at the constant knockbacks,” she said.
“One need only stand on the footpath of High Street for five to 10 minutes to realise how critical it is to lower the speed limit and to divert the enormous trucks that use this road as a major thoroughfare.
“High Street desperately needs a quieter, safer environment, along with a bypass to allow this wonderful retail and business precinct to thrive and to encourage an alfresco environment so many other townships enjoy.”
Cranbourne’s Racetrack Cafe owner Aris Kypraios said the bypass should have happened years ago.
“It’s the only way to breathe life into Cranbourne’s main street and get the heavy traffic off the road,” he said.
“We need some action on getting trucks on an alternative route to promote main street as a meeting place and community hub.”
On hearing the news that one business had closed, Mr Kypraios said sadly it was getting that way for many businesses along the street.
“People will not patronise the main street,” he said.
“The current traffic conditions prohibit people from doing so; it’s not safe for pedestrians.
“It is also prohibiting businesses wanting to expand or create better quality cafes and restaurants from doing so and attracting businesses that will draw people to the main street.”
VicRoads regional director Peter Todd said there were no current plans to construct the local bypass of Cranbourne.
“The original local bypass route around Cranbourne now passes through existing urban areas and would have an impact on residents living there,” he said.
“The Cranbourne Township Bypass Study indicated the M1 and an improved Clyde Road/Berwick-Cranbourne Road/Clyde Five Ways Road is the preferred route for regional traffic heading to South Gippsland and Bass Coast from Melbourne, including trucks and buses.”
Mr Todd said VicRoads was also planning for the future upgrade of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, between the Pakenham Bypass and the South Gippsland Highway, which would help remove regional through traffic from the Cranbourne Town Centre.