Shocking CCTV exposes Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach chaos
A Mermaid resident has accused Gold Coast City Council of “putting their heads in the sand” when it comes to public safety along the city’s rich-lister street. SEE THE WILD FOOTAGE
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Wild CCTV footage has emerged of reckless antics along the Gold Coast’s Millionaire’s Row.
Mermaid Beach residents earlier this month told The Bulletin traffic chaos on Hedges Ave had become “so bad” it was only a matter of time before someone was killed, while a local councillor said its surface was “Third World”.
The bedlam was linked to vehicles diverting away from Gold Coast Highway light rail construction and cyclists and pedestrians coming from the Oceanway.
Shocking security camera video obtained by the Bulletin has laid bare the mayhem, showing vehicles speeding in the wrong direction on the one-way street and multiple incidents of cars hitting cyclists.
In the footage, which was mostly captured this month, a cyclist in the bike lane is seen being run over by a turning ute. Further footage shows another cyclist being hit by a car in the same spot.
A car was also seen driving in the bike lane at speed in the wrong direction, while another video shows a shocking collision between cyclists and a jogger in which the female bike rider appears significantly hurt and unable to get up.
One long-term Hedges resident accused Gold Coast City Council of “putting their heads in the sand” when it comes to public safety along the road.
“I’m absolutely concerned a fatality will happen,” they said.
“I’ve made it known to (councillor) Nick Marshall there’s only a matter of time until a tragedy will happen along here – you’ve got so many people, so many bikes, so many cars it’s just a matter of time before the worst happens.”
The concerned resident says they had addressed the matter of pedestrian crossings with council in the hope it may help “save a life” – but claims they were told Hedges was a one-way street, so doesn’t require crossings as it’s “not dangerous”.
A City spokesperson told the Bulletin on Wednesday the city remains committed to “collaborating closely” with the community to “enhance and revitalise” Hedges Ave.
“This includes a long-scheduled meeting with the Mayor and CEO that occurred today,” the spokesperson said.
“We are investigating measures to improve safety in this area including enhancing pedestrian crossing facilities, speed management and pavement rehabilitation works.”
But the resident said the “chaos” had only increased with the nearby light rail construction and argued council should have addressed the safety issues when construction first began.
“The chaos has increased incredibly,” they said.
“This footage I have is from one small section of Hedges – you can’t tell me it’s not happening all the way along Hedges. Council are putting their heads in the sand hoping they can get these next 18 months under the belt without much happening.”
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson confirmed Hedges Ave is a one-way street with a bidirectional bicycle lane, meaning bicycle riders can travel in either direction using the bicycle lane. The spokesperson said signage matters were the responsibility of the City of Gold Coast.
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Originally published as Shocking CCTV exposes Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach chaos
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