Brian Roberts is calling for the upgrade of the Lesdon Avenue and South Gippsland Highway intersection. 86445 Picture: DONNA OATES
By Bridget Cook
BRIAN Roberts has already lost one friend to a dangerous Cranbourne intersection and now he wants ensure no more lives are taken.
In March Mr Robert’s neighbour Michel Rochecouste, 73, was killed at the intersection of the Lesdon Avenue and South Gippsland Highway after his car collided with a truck.
Mr Roberts, who has lived near the intersection for 22 years, said he also knew of another fatality there and several near misses.
Mr Roberts contacted the News after reading last week that the State Government had announced funding to upgrade Camms Road and South Gippsland Highway intersection.
“What I can’t understand is there seems to be no upgrading of the Lesdon Avenue South Gippsland Highway intersection,” he said.
“The trucks travelling north run the lights all the time.”
Mr Roberts said something needed to be done to ensure the safety of residents and parents from Rangebank Primary School who use the intersection.
Mr Robert’s said he had met with VicRoads to discuss his proposed solutions to fix the dangerous intersection.
“We discussed the installation of red light and speed cameras,” he said.
“We also discussed advanced amber flashing lights, which would allow the professional truck drivers to stop in time rather than run the red light.
“I also raised that pruning or tree removal of the trees on the west side of the highway to improve the sight distance from oncoming north bound traffic.
“A pedestrian crossing is also needed on Lesdon Avenue. People, especially the elderly and the young mums with kids, struggle to cross here.”
Mr Roberts called in VicRoads to take action.
“One day a semi will run through there and a lot of people will be killed,” he said.
“People have lost their lives at this intersection. It should be a number one priority.
“I’m really disappointed in VicRoads for not doing anything about it.”
VicRoads did not respond to the News’ inquiries before going to print.
