Montmorency Primary School waits for Banyule Council to fix pedestrian crossing

PARENTS are concerned about the delay in fixing a dangerous pedestrian crossing outside Montmorency Primary School.

Students outside Montmorency Primary School.

ANXIOUS parents are concerned about the delay in fixing a dangerous pedestrian crossing outside Montmorency Primary School.

Banyule Council has said it will be made safer, but has not decided how to fix it or set a date for work to start.

The problem revolves around a dangerous blind bend on Rattray Road near the school’s main entrance, which has seen a number of near-misses between motorists and mostly students over the years.

A bus route also goes down the arterial road.

A petition of 161 signatures from residents was presented to Banyule Council on October 30.

President of the school council Paul Leahy told Leader he was worried delays would be mean the kids would continue to be at risk.

He said the pedestrian crossing was simple with no lights or significant signage.

Councillors have suggested a raised pedestrian platform with yellow flashing lights, but as yet no definite decision has been taken.

Mr Leahy was told that investigations at two other pedestrian crossings on Were St needed to be undertaken before any upgrades occurred.

“I expressed concern that collecting information on the other crossings would delay consideration of the Rattray Road crossing,” Mr Leahy said.

“Council warned there is no guarantee of funding and that it can take some time.”

Mayor Tom Melican told Leader pedestrian safety was a priority and they had asked police for more enforcement to catch speeding and bad drivers.

Montmorency Primary School currently has 180 students but is projected to grow to 300 next year.