Woman crushed between two cars outside Dandenong North Primary School says urgent action needed
A woman who was crushed between two cars outside her Dandenong North home says action is urgently needed to prevent another traffic disaster.
South East
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A woman has been crushed between two cars outside her home on a street so congested motorists have been seen driving on the footpath.
Louise Ferguson-Odgers, who is still on crutches, says action is urgently needed to prevent another disaster on Woodlee St, which abuts busy Dandenong North Primary School.
She said traffic snarls had spiralled out of control during school pick up and drop off times and the school principal Kevin Mackay said congestion was so bad at times that he had witnessed frustrated drivers taking to the footpath.
Ms Ferguson-Odgers and fiance Kosta Fotakis said a pedestrian crossing was badly needed.
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They also want Woodlee St near the school made a one-way zone, to ease congestion and end the traffic “nightmare”.
“It’s not that we are whingers — it’s the safety of the residents,” Ms Ferguson-Odgers said.
“What happens if emergency services want to get into the street? They won’t be able to get access.”
Ms Ferguson-Odgers suffered injuries to her pelvis, spine and right leg after she was crushed between two cars outside her unit in December.
She was trying to direct traffic in the street— so her car could be manouvered out of the driveway — when a motorist accelerated, forcing her against another vehicle.
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The 28-year-old said she faced a long road to full recovery.
“It will be 12 months to get back on my feet,” she said.
Greater Dandenong Council’s engineering services director Julie Reid said enrolments at Dandenong North Primary School had increased significantly over the past 10 years, but on-site parking had reduced.
“This has led to increased congestion in Woodlee St, particularly at school pick up and drop off times,” she said.
Ms Reid said the council had considered making the street one-way, but investigations revealed this would not improve traffic flow or safety.
“Safety is a key priority for council and introducing a one-way system would compromise road safety, encourage higher traffic speeds and increase the likelihood of a serious accident.”
Dandenong North Primary School principal Kevin Mackay he had repeatedly asked the council to make the section of Woodlee St adjacent to the school one way ease congestion and improve safety.
“It makes so much sense and it wouldn’t inconvenience people too much,” he said.