Four new safety cameras switched on after rallying community action

Safety cameras have been switched on at a Rosanna intersection after years of lobbying. But some say its not enough to stop reckless drivers. See what else is in store for the dangerous road.

John Francis of Resolve Rosanna Road. Picture: James Ross

After years of community lobbying, four speed cameras have been switched on along the notoriously dangerous Rosanna Rd.

The cameras have been installed at the Banyule Rd intersection following a three-year campaign by the community and Ivanhoe state Labor MP Anthony Carbines.

The intersection is a hotspot for children and pedestrians, close to Banyule and Heidelberg primary schools, as well as the Goodstart Childcare Centre.

A c ommunity campaign began in 2017, with people turning to Resolve Rosanna Road’s Facebook page to air their frustration with the lack of cameras.

Tonino Rocca said a car had almost bowled him over at the Banyule Rd intersection after it ran a red light.

“Lucky I noticed it wasn’t going to slow down before I stepped on to the road,” he wrote.

Belinda Pryse said she witnessed a truck run a red light at the Station St intersection.

Resolve Rosanna Road campaigner Natasha Reifschneider said the cameras were an important step to changing driver behaviour but did not address the main issue, which was narrow lanes and trucks on the road.

Fellow lobby group member John Francis said the safety measures were a long time coming.

“Drivers should be made accountable for their actions and if people know there are cameras they are going to be more alert and aware of their actions,” he said.

“There’s a general lack of consideration among drivers long the road.”

Mr Carbines said the cameras will slow motorists down and hold those who don't to account.

“The new cameras at the two sites will not only make our roads safer but also make our footpaths and crossings safer for students, parents and teachers,” Mr Carbines said.

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Speed cameras will also installed at the Darebin St intersection by year’s end.

Pedestrian crossings at the Brown and Yarra streets intersections will also be implemented.

Traffic lights will be installed at the St James Rd intersection as well as 40km/h speed restrictions.

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