Grenville St crossing neighbours disappointed at Public Transport Minister’s ‘nonsense letter’

Neighbours of a grandmother killed at a dangerous Hampton pedestrian crossing have written to authorities calling for action but are “disappointed” the only response fails to properly address their concerns.

Neighbours are pleading to the State Government to make the fatal Grenville St rail crossing safer. Picture: Josie Hayden

Neighbours of a woman hit and killed by a train at a dangerous Hampton rail crossing have slammed authorities for failing to protect the community.

More than 60 residents at the Edgecliff on the Beach apartment complex signed a petition calling on the State Government to boost safety measures at the neglected Grenville St crossing.

It comes as a council pedestrian count revealed at least 145 people a day use the crossing, with an increase in numbers expected during warmer weather.

Edgecliff Owners Corporation committee secretary Terry Walsh told the Bayside Leader it was “just not good enough” that nothing had been done to prevent further fatalities at the site.

“It’s very dangerous on any level — it’s used by little kids and older people alike,” Mr Walsh said.

“They just need to get on and fix it.”

Mr Walsh said he wrote to several authorities including Metro Trains calling for action after his neighbour Gloria Holmes, 83, was hit and killed by a train on the crossing while walking her granddaughter’s dog.

Mr Walsh said he received a “nonsense letter” from Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne in response to his concerns.

In the letter, seen by the Leader, Ms Horne said crossing upgrades were prioritised annually by the Victorian Railway Crossing Steering Authority.

“I can assure you that level crossing safety is a priority for the Andrews Government, which is why we are delivering extensive railway crossing upgrade programs at both road and pedestrian railway level crossings,” Ms Horne said in the letter.

In a reply sent to Ms Horne last month, Mr Walsh said he was “disappointed” the letter had failed to properly address residents’ concerns.

“Your letter contains no comfort for our residents, as you indicate no action to ensure improved public safety at the crossing,” he wrote.

Metro Trains and Public Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allen did not respond to Mr Walsh’s letters sent in May and June.

Meanwhile, Bayside Council’s pedestrian count showed about 145 people used the perilous crossing each day, with trains crossing almost every six minutes.

MORE:

CROSSING UPGRADE CANCELLED MONTHS BEFORE PEDESTRIAN DEATH

SAFETY WORKS NO CLOSER AT DEADLY HAMPTON LEVEL CROSSING

LEADER CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR ACTION ON DEADLY HAMPTON CROSSING

Stuart Worn, who has been leading the push for safety upgrades, said based on the count and train timetables, there was a 42 per cent chance of pedestrians and trains using the crossing at the same time.

Promised safety works at the notorious crossing were cancelled by PTV just months before Ms Holmes’ death. It is believed she was not wearing her hearing aid and did not see or hear the train coming.

The State Government has repeatedly refused to answer the Leader’s questions about why promised works to fix the notorious crossing had been shelved.

Get involved in our campaign by:

Signing the petition here.

Liking the Facebook page here.