Clyde North locals say they’ve had enough of the crashes at the Pattersons Road and Tuckers Road intersection, claiming that Casey Council is dragging its feet while lives are put at risk.
For years, residents have complained about the “partially controlled” traffic light that forces right-turning drivers to give way under confusing conditions.
They say the design flaw has led to countless accidents, sometimes multiple in a single day.
Laura Harris, who has lived nearby, said the situation had become “criminal negligence.”
“I’ve been living here for about five years, and there’s no joke, probably one every two to three weeks. It’s countless,” she said on Wednesday 27 August.
“Last night, there was one at 10.30pm, and then again, this morning at around 8.30am. So, two in less than 24 hours. And they’re all nasty accidents.”
The concerned local said there had been six accidents that she was aware of from Tuesday 19 August to Sunday 31 August.
She said Casey Council had got back to her with a written response acknowledging that the traffic light needed to have its signal updated.
“They haven’t received that funding back, so they’re not doing anything about it. But it doesn’t excuse why they haven’t even put up a sign to say that turning right must give way,” she said.
“They haven’t even put up a sign to try and minimise the risks. There have been no steps taken other than applying for funding to a Federal Black Spot Program.
“They could change their budget and look at other things. Like, for example, they’ve just spent $25,000 on Christmas decorations, but they won’t spend any money to make anything slightly safer at that intersection.”
When inquired, City of Casey Manager City and Asset Planning, Keri New said they are aware of the high frequency of car accidents at the intersection, particularly involving right-turning vehicles failing to give way to oncoming traffic.
“The signal phasing at this location is standard and similar to the nearby intersection at Pattersons Road and Thoroughbred Road, which does not exhibit the same safety challenges,” she said.
“Due to the high number of car accidents, Council applied for Federal Black Spot (FBS) funding last year to implement fully controlled right-turn phases. Although that application was unsuccessful, Council is resubmitting the proposal this year. The proposed changes include Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) software and hardware modifications.
“As an interim safety measure, Council has already improved line marking at the intersection in collaboration with DTP’s Movement and Safety Team. Council is also looking at ways to speed up the signal changes independently of external funding, although this would still require DTP’s involvement and scheduling, which typically takes six to twelve months.
“Council is currently working alongside Victoria Police and is investigating the use of additional warning or advisory signage on all four approaches to the intersection.”
Other residents echoed Laura’s frustration.
Alex, another local who lives close to the intersection, said the issue was well-known among neighbours.
“Most of the days, they have some crashes there. At least once a week or twice a week,” he said.
Alex is worried that the new shopping centre in the area, including a new Aldi, will add to the traffic at the intersection.
“It’s going to be worse because we’re having a new shopping centre coming there,” he said.
Another resident said the danger peaks during rush hour.
“It’s always peak hours. I think maybe because people are in a rush during the peak. They just don’t really think too much,” she said.
“I walk along that intersection numerous times a day and a week, and I’m so worried that I’m going to get knocked over or that all the kids in the area who walk to primary school are going to get hit by flying debris from a car accident or an out-of-control car from a car accident,” Laura said.
“I’ve lived in Melbourne my whole life, and I’ve lived near lots of busy intersections. And there’s the occasional bad car accident. But for it to happen this regularly, it is not human error. The error is with the signalling.
“It is absolutely appalling that they know what the problem is. But no one wants to agree to pay for it.”
