Stanhope Gardens: Council call for traffic lights near fatal crash site
THE STANHOPE GARDENS community is raising funds for the funeral of “gentle giant” Clarrie Challis who was hit by a car and killed as he walked to a bus stop.
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- Man dies, woman seriously injured after car hits them
- Residents call for changes after pedestrian death
Blacktown Council has asked Roads and Maritime Services to install traffic lights near a crossing where Stanhope Gardens resident Clarrie Challis was hit and killed in July.
The Stanhope Gardens community is now raising funds for the funeral of the “gentle giant” who was hit by a car and killed as he walked to a bus stop on the morning of July 16.
A teenager driving a Toyota allegedly struck Mr Challis and his partner Susan West after exiting a roundabout in Stanhope Parkway, near Majestic Dr.
Mr Challis, 65, was killed and Ms West, 55, suffered serious injuries including bleeding to the brain, a broken back, broken shoulder and dislocated foot.
The pair were walking to the bus stop to catch a ride to work when the crash happened.
Ms West is still in hospital undergoing rehab but is getting close to taking her first steps since the accident.
Blacktown Council has donated $500 to help cover some of the costs for Mr Challis’ funeral to be held on Friday, September 28.
Guardian Funerals Blacktown is hosting the funeral and confirmed it was accepting donations to cover the costs of the funeral.
Ms West said her partner was sorely missed.
“It’s terrible. I’m crying all the time.
“It’s a big loss. He was a part of me for a long time,” she said.
“He was a lovely man.”
Mr Challis, who had an intellectual disability, worked at the Endeavour Foundation in Castle Hill for 49 years and lived at Gateway Lifestyle Stanhope Gardens with his partner.
Friend Roslyn Field said Mr Challis was the kind of person you always wanted around you.
“He was joyful and happy and a gentle giant — that’s how I would describe Clarrie,” she said. “Always smiling and always laughing.
“He was the type of person that you would want to have around you. He was absolutely beautiful.”
Police are investigating the crash and no charges have been made against the driver.
To donate toward the funeral contact (02) 9622 1284.
Council to ask RMS for traffic lights at crossing
Blacktown Council has asked Roads and Maritime Services to install traffic lights at the crossing in Stanhope Gardens where Mr Challis was killed.
Cr Chris Quilkey said the council’s road safety officer prepared a report following the fatal crash.
Council discussed the report during a recent meeting and recommended some changes be made at the roundabout.
Unfortunately, Cr Quilkey said there was not a lot that could be done in terms of putting in a pedestrian crossing or expanding the island at the middle of the roundabout to slow traffic in Stanhope Parkway.
“There are four lanes (across Stanhope Parkway) and you cannot have a pedestrian crossing where there are more than two lanes.”
He said heavy vehicles would not be able to stay safely in one lane if the island was widened.
Cr Quikley said the best option was to write to the RMS and ask for traffic lights to be installed which council agreed upon. “But I have to say I am not holding my breath.”
RMS said it had not received the letter but would work with the council “to develop options for the intersection”.
Currently there are two locations across Sydney where pedestrian lights have been installed at a crossing next to a roundabout, in Blacktown and Homebush.