Accident fears as traffic worsens around Schofields train station, leading to road rage
RESIDENTS using the Schofields train station are in danger of serious harm due to the escalating traffic problems, according to some of the regular users.
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RESIDENTS using the Schofields train station are in danger of serious harm due to the escalating traffic problems and road rage, according to some of the regular users.
With limited parking spots at the station, motorists are often in a hurry to drop or pick up passengers, some even stopping at the roundabout, according to Alan Green who has written many times to Blacktown Council over this issue.
Even the planned 60 extra car spaces won’t be much help according to Greenway state Labor MP Michelle Rowland and residents.
“This can cause a serious accident or even a pedestrian fatality,” warned former Blacktown councillor Allan Green..
“It’s a miracle no one has been hurt so far but it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Blacktown Council said it is working with Transport for NSW to construct an additional 60 car parking spaces and upgrade Railway Terrace to a four-lane divided road from Schofields Rd to Jacquie Ave with construction due to start next year.
“Blacktown Council is concerned about the level of congestion around Schofields Station and is
council is also acting to discourage illegal parking in the area and its Rangers will be enforcing the parking and stopping regulations in the area,” a spokesman said.
“It is hoped these actions will reduce congestion in the area.
“We have also asked the police to increase their patrols in the area following reports of pedestrians not crossing the road safely.”
Greenway MP Michelle Rowland said that “as more houses go up in Schofields, The Ponds and surrounding suburbs the current bad situation will only get worse.
Ms Michelle Rowland even raised the issue during the 2016 elections, committing $5 million to expand the car parks if her party was elected.
““It’s now up to the State and Federal Government to act, the 60 additional spaces recently added just aren’t enough to meet present or future demand,” Ms Rowland said.
Carol Murphy, who drops off her two daughters at the nearby child care before boarding a train from Schofields, said the situation has got worse over the past year as new housing developments come up.
“I agree that people are in danger when using the roundabout or the pedestrian crossing because many are getting angry and frustrated at the delays there,” Mrs Murphy said.
“The council hasn’t planned it well and I think even my four-year could have done a better job.
“It is a dangerous situation that the council has created and we need many more car spaces.
“When I go to the station by 7am all the parking is gone and you have to park at least 500 metres away.
“If I didn’t have to drop my kids at the child care centre at Schofields, I would not be using this station because it so dangerous.”
Mr Green has complained to Blacktown Council a few times.
“ I have seen several concerns on the net about pedestrian safety and poor pathways along the roadway which need addressing by the safety committee and the traffic committee,” Mr Green said.
“When large groups of commuters exit the station at the same time and disperse across the road there is potential for accidents.
“Cars also often stop in bad locations to pick up passengers creating more safety concerns.
“The situation needs to be investigated and issues addressed by the traffic committee and Council.”
In one of his letters addressed to the manager, Accces and Transport Managent, Mr Green wrote: “The temporary measures you have advised only addresses the car based issues at Schofields station and does not stop pedestrians putting themselves in danger buy crossing through speeding traffic as shown in the pictures I provided.
“It seems you do not appreciate the high risks that hundreds of pedestrians are taking each day as the current crossing is in the wrong place.
“Some other temporary measures are need such as barriers and signage to stop or reduce the pedestrian risk. Why is it not possible to do that?
“Now that the risk is on the record you need to reduce that risk now. It cannot wait till next year when the upgrade may commence.
“Pedestrians may have an accident before the area is upgraded.”
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