Vandals destroy Spit East carpark boom gate, enabling free access to Parriwi Rd Mosman rat run

MOSMAN Council will replace a trashed boom gate near a “nightmare” rat run after a second illegal extension was installed and the entire boom broken.

The trashed boom gate at the exit to the Spit East car park, outside Middle Harbour Yacht Club, enables northern beaches motorists to freely rat run up Parriwi Rd, Mosman to avoid Spit Rd traffic. Picture: Annika Enderborg

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A CONTROVERSIAL boom gate near a “nightmare” Mosman rat run mysteriously sprouted a second illegal extension before it was destroyed altogether.

Vandals trashed the boom gate at the exit to the Spit East car park about two weeks ago, enabling unfettered access to Parriwi Rd as a rat run from the Spit Bridge.

The broken boom gate at the exit to Spit East car park last week. Picture: Annika Enderborg

The Mosman Daily reported earlier this month that council had removed an illegal extension on the boom gate.

Mosman Council’s environment and planning director Craig Covich said last week that a new boom gate would be installed.

“After the illegally installed arm was removed by council, another illegal arm was installed and before it could be removed the entire boom gate arm was vandalised and broken off,” he said.

A motorcyclist rides around the first illegal extension on the boom gate in early June. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Parriwi Rd resident Robert Clemesha said he was the victim of road rage while reversing from his driveway on a blind corner.

“Motorcycles pass on both sides rather than slowing down,” he said.

Motorcyclists freely access Parriwi Rd last week during the morning peak period after the boom gate was snapped off. Picture: Annika Enderborg

“One morning recently a Harley Davidson screeched to a halt, the rider walked to my driver side window and hammered his fists against it whilst screaming profanities.”

Parriwi Rd resident Andrew Tyndale said it was not the first time the boom gate had been snapped off.

Parriwi Rd residents upset with the boom gate allowing the rat run, photographed in February 2015. Picture: Annika Enderborg

“It’s made living on the road a nightmare. It’s only a matter of time until there’s a head-on collision,” he said.

The boom gate operates during the morning peak period and aims to prevent rat-running.

There is a plan for Parriwi Rd residents to pay for traffic lights to replace the boom gate.

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