By Marcus Uhe
Resident-reported safety concerns have prompted a proposal by the City of Casey to change a pair of Tooradin laneways to be restricted to pedestrian and cyclist use only.
In a letter distributed to residents of Lyall and Mickle Streets in Tooradin, the council announced they were seeking feedback on the potential to change access to the lanes at 7I between Foreshore Road and Mickle Street and 14I, connecting Mickle Street and Lyall Street, following a safety assessment and subsequent recommendation by council officers.
The letter stated that the width of the laneways are “not appropriate for vehicular traffic under current road safety standards”, and proposed installing removable vehicle bollards and signage to alert users of the change.
Removable bollards will enable emergency vehicles to still access the lanes and not impact response times.
With all three of Foreshore Road, Mickle Street and Lyall Street being no-through roads based on their proximity to the Tooradin Foreshore Reserve and the Foreshore itself, the lanes allow access to one-another without needing to travel to the end of the roads and access the South Gippsland Highway service lane.
Residents have until Friday 2 September to provide feedback on the idea, according to City of Casey Manager City Asset and Planning, Keri New.
“We are aware of some community concerns regarding this proposal and are seeking community feedback,” Ms New said.
“This will be reviewed in full prior to a decision being made.”
Ross Wilkie from the Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management believes the lanes should remain as they are, but restricted to use by local traffic only.
He said they are a useful asset to those who live in the area is they reduce the need to access the South Gippsland Highway.
“I think it’s a mistake and it shouldn’t happen,” Mr Wilkie said.
“The only people who use the lanes are the locals who know they’re there.”
He also raised safety concerns about the need to cross the highway at Foreshore Road in order to travel east from Foreshore and Mickle streets.
“It’s putting people in unnecessary danger.”
Those who did not receive a letter but have feedback to offer to contact the council’s customer service line on (03) 9705 5200 or caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au
