Kid risk claim on crossing

By Bridget Brady
THE safety of children is the number one reason a right-hand turning arrow should be installed at a Cranbourne intersection, residents say.
They want a turning arrow installed at the intersection of Monahans Road and Sladen Street in Cranbourne because they fear pedestrians, especially children, are at risk when they cross.
Resident Owen Ashworth said he had seen instances when motorists didn’t give way to pedestrians who crossed the large intersection when they had a “green man”.
“Little kids are learning it is safe to cross when they see a green man, but they are not always safe at this intersection,” he said.
But Mr Ashworth said the traffic congestion at the intersection, near the entrance to Brookland Greens estate, had reduced considerably since speed limits were lowered in nearby streets.
“But there are lots of kids who cross there to go to school. It would be safer with an arrow.”
Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon agreed a turning arrow would resolve the issue.
“Our children need to be safe. An arrow would be superb. Above all we need to consider the safety of our children,” Cr Stapledon said.
She said it was important children had the confidence to cross the road safely.
But VicRoads metropolitan south-east regional director Duncan Elliott said there were no current plans to install a right-hand turn arrow.
Mr Elliot said in the five years to 13 December 2008, there was one crash involving a cyclist using the pedestrian crossing.
“The cyclist was crossing Sladen Street when hit by a car turning right out of Cherryhills Drive. No other pedestrian-related crashes have been recorded in the five year period.”
But Mr Elliott said VicRoads would investigate placing signs at the intersection to remind motorists to give way to pedestrians.