Greens pedestrian crossing plan could endanger lives: Councillor

It sounds like a good idea, but a Brisbane City Councillor says a Greens plan to build 1000 street crossings could actually endanger pedestrians.

Crossing supervisor Silvana Vennerdo watches (l-r) Raj Singh (6), Ayla Eryegit (5) and (6) Angus Hay (7) cross the road. The Greens’ plan to build 1000 pedestrian crossing and extend school zone times has come under fire. Picture: Julian Smith

The RACQ says it does not support a radical Greens policy to trial extending school zone times to 12 hours a day, every day of the year.

And LNP Councillor James Mackay (Walter Taylor) said the Greens’ plan to build 1000 new pedestrian crossings, including 40 in his ward, could potentially endanger pedestrians if not done carefully and sited in safe places.

“It’s important for people to realise pedestrian crossings can’t be placed anywhere,’’ Cr Mackay said.

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“Building them in random places actually makes the situation more dangerous.

“There are strict safety regulations set out by federal authorities to make sure crossings provide the safest possible walking routes.

“As locals know, much of the inner western suburbs are hilly and have winding roads.

“That means it can be difficult to (find) places that have good visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

“All pedestrian safety improvements must be well researched and compliant with Australian standards.

“All safety improvements delivered by Team (Lord Mayor Adrian) Schrinner are comprehensively researched to ensure they provide the safest options for pedestrians.’’

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Cr Mackay has announced a raft of road and pedestrian safety initiatives since late last year, including a speed limit review along Swann Rd, upgrades to local roundabouts and new or upgraded crossings.

RACQ spokeswoman, Lauren Ritchie, said the club had reservations about the Greens’ plan to extend school zone times.

While some schools already had extended school zone times, it should not be a blanket rule for all, the club said.

“Some schools already have all day school zones due to their specific requirements,” Ms Ritchie said.

“Generally, you find all day school zones at split-campus schools (such as Brisbane State High School in South Brisbane) where children may need to cross the road throughout the day.

“However, at most schools children won’t be near the road outside of drop off and pick-up times.”

Greens candidate for Walter Taylor, Michaela Sargent, said their plan would make parents feel more comfortable allowing their children to walk to school, which meant less congestion around pick-up and drop-off times, healthier children, more connected communities and cleaner air.

“Safety should be our top priority, and school zones save lives,’’ Ms Sargent said.

“The risk of serious injury or death increases dramatically for every kilometre over 40km per hour.

“Even though school zones generally stop after 4pm, many kids are around schools after-hours and even on the weekend or holidays for sports and other activities.

“Making school zones speed limits apply from 7am-7pm all year round will make it easier to remember to slow down and improve safety for kids around our local schools.

“The reality of modern family life is that parents and carers are dropping children to before- and after-school care and activities, and current school zones are not adequate.’’

Some of the crossings she would prioritise included:

Fig Tree Pocket: Traffic lights at the Fig Tree Pocket Rd and Kenmore Rd intersection

Toowong: Safe crossing on Sylvan Rd near Toowong State School and Stanley Tce near the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology.

Taringa: Moggill Rd and Morrow St

St Lucia: Opposite Guyatt Park on Sir Fred Schonell Drive

Indooroopilly: Near Indooroopilly State School at Taringa Pde and Finney Rd (especially near Woodville St)