By BRIDGET COOK
PEDESTRIANS are being put at risk by a large number of drivers using Glasscocks Road in Lyndhurst as a rat run to avoid the Thompsons Road roundabout.
Local mother Jay White raised her concerns about pedestrians, particularly children, being put in danger from the heavy flow of traffic trying to avoid the Thompson Road roundabout to access Western Port Highway during peak hours.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, councillors resolved to investigate the traffic issues along the stretch of road and look into possibly installing a pedestrian crossing.
Ms White said it was great that the council had acknowledged a major traffic issue in the Marriot Waters estate and were looking to do something about it.
She said Glasscocks Road had a lot of pedestrians from Lyndhurst crossing it to access schools and the Lynbrook railway station.
“During peak times, the traffic flow is constant and it’s nearly impossible to cross,” she said.
“The traffic is not only a constant flow, but I also find that a large majority of these motorists are coming out of Mellington Drive and flying down Glasscocks Road.
“Also due to the fact the Lyndhurst and Lynbrook are currently divided by the railway lines, there are quite a lot of children that walk to and from school every day, and have to cross this road – a lot without parental supervision.
“I have seen many children rushing across the road as it gets to the point where they have to run when there’s a short gap between cars.
“I’m really nervous that there’s going to be an accident involving a pedestrian soon if something isn’t done.
Ms White said walking her children to school each day had become a nightmare.
“We have recently moved my son to St Francis de Sales in Lynbrook, which is within walking distance for us,” she said.
“However, due to the fact that we live on the Mellington side of Glasscocks Road, we have to cross this road every morning if we decide to walk.
“As a mother of three young children, walking or riding them to school, it is extremely scary trying to get my three young children across Glasscocks Road at 8.30am.”
Ms White said she hoped the council would consider putting in a pedestrian crossing to make it safer.
Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon raised the motion on Tuesday night for the council to investigate the issue.
“They are experiencing significant traffic during peak hour which is making crossing the road unaided by a structured crossing difficult,” she said.
“Add to this a mother and her three children, especially if they wish to ride their bikes, a very risky venture.”
A report on the matter will come back to a council meeting in July.
