Debate doesn't stop on signs

NEWS that the Southern Downs Regional Council plans to install stop signs at the Guy and Pratten Sts intersection has caused fiery debate.

NEWS that the Southern Downs Regional Council plans to install stop signs at the Guy and Pratten Sts intersection has caused fiery debate on the Warwick Daily News website.

An online commentator who goes by the name 'pussyfoot' said she thought a roundabout would be a more ideal option.

"From my point of view a roundabout is better than a stop sign," she said.

"People can and do fly through signs without stopping, whereas with a roundabout you do have to slow to go around one, also a roundabout keeps the traffic flowing."

Bukowski also posted a comment.

"If people are giving way when they are supposed to, how could you possibly have an accident here?" he asked.

The debate then changed focus towards Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley.

"I wish the councillors were as passionate about issues affecting our friends and families, as Councillor Bartley is about protecting his father's property," warwickite posted.

"It's amazing how much discussion can be done on safety issues when councillors have a personal interest."

Cr Ross Bartley moved to clarify this point, saying he had wanted changes to the intersection well before his family moved in.

"I have been lobbying for changes to this intersection since I joined council 12 years ago," he said.

"The intersection became a larger problem when the intersection at Wood and Palmerin Sts was closed."

Director of engineering services Peter See said the intersection was closed to traffic crossing in 2003.

"The intersection remains in operation except that you cannot travel across Wood St to continue a journey along Palmerin St," he said.

"The intersection was closed as a Black Spot program due to the high number of vehicle accidents prior to the changes being made."

Cr Bartley said stop signs were a good compromise.

"I'm happy to see something done," he said.

"I hope the stop signs will make a difference.

"But I'm worried they will just shift the problem to another street."

Originally published as Debate doesn't stop on signs