By Brendan Rees
Parking restrictions are being considered along a road in Pearcedale which has been labelled a “nightmare” and an “accident waiting to happen” during school pick-up and drop-off times.
In a bid to improve congestion Casey Council is proposing to install ‘no stopping’ restrictions on Queens Road between 8am to 9.15am and 3pm to 4pm on school days on the southern side of the road between Pearcedale Road and Queens Road, near Pearcedale Primary School.
Casey Council city planning and assets manager Keri New said council was currently consulting Queens Road residents on the proposal to improve traffic flow during the peak periods, while still allowing parking to occur on the northern side of the road.
“The southern side of Queens Road has been chosen for the proposed non-stopping zone to ensure the protection of both drivers and pedestrians in the area,” she said.
Residents, who had been notified by the council via a letter and survey to fill out, say the proposal was a welcome solution – with some describing the parking problems as “crazy”, and forcing some parents to park in driveways before lockdown restrictions were enforced.
“It’s such a narrow road and people double park on both sides makes it a nightmare to try and get through there and totally unsafe for them to get their kids in and out,” a resident wrote on social media.
However, another had mixed feelings saying: “That’s great, but they need to provide an alternative otherwise it just moves the problem to another street.”
“People don’t obey the signs anyway, I still see people parking on Peryman Street every day,” another said.
According to the letter sent to residents, council stated it had “become aware of concerns about congestion on Queens Road”.
The letter noted the proposal was aimed “to reduce the conflicts between pedestrians, parked vehicles and through traffic in Queens Road”.
“A decision will need to be made whether to proceed with the proposed parking restrictions,” the letter read.
The community consultation is open to Queens Road residents until 29 July with affected residents issued with a hard copy feedback form by council.
