SDRC will trail one-way traffic in parts of Acacia Ave after residents complain of safety concerns

A trial will be carried out to disperse traffic from a narrow laneway more than four months after residents first aired safety concerns over severe traffic congestion.

The narrow street is causing multiple issues, residents claim.

Residents of a narrow avenue in Warwick’s CBD who have been struggling to access their homes will now have some relief after the council approved traffic-flow changes.

Southern Downs Regional Council voted to make Acacia Ave between Percy and Wood Street a one-way street for a six-month trial period.

Issues started in Acacia Ave when nearby St Mary’s Primary School started using the lane as a drop-off and pick-up point more than a year ago to comply with Covid restrictions and avoid parents coming into the school grounds.

Residents said the moved left some who lived in the street no option but to park a block away from their homes, saying the increased school traffic also damaged fences along the narrow street.

Pat Ryan said she was frustrated residents were notified of the traffic plan changes and wrote to the council more than four months ago asking if solutions would be considered.

However, Ms Ryan’s suggestions were rejected forcing residents to petition SDRC.

The council received the petition in its ordinary meeting last month, with Mayor Vic Pennisi saying it would take time for an advisory board to examine the proposal and find recommendations.

Ms Ryan said while the decision had taken a long time, it was worth the wait.

“Residents have had to deal with the cars for well over a year now. We really need this, it’s just a sensible decisions,” she said.

Councillor Sheryl Windle said she believed this move made way to look at other narrow laneways in Warwick, saying she believed other streets also faced similar struggles.

While the move is good for residents, the changes will be felt by the nearby primary school.

Councillor Marco Gliori said while he thought the traffic changes were a “wise decision”, he believed St Mary’s Primary School would need support in diverting their traffic.

The Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools were contacted for comment, but declined at this stage.