Parents call for crossing supervisor outside Torquay College to avoid disaster

Concerned parents believe it is “just a matter of time” before a child is hit outside a Surf Coast primary school, with a Torquay-based MP demanding urgent action.

Children are “playing chicken” with cars outside a Surf Coast primary school, prompting parents and a Torquay-based MP to call for urgent action.

Western Victoria MP Stuart Grimley said children crossing through traffic outside Torquay College was an accident waiting to happen.

“The last thing we need is another tragic incident that could have been avoided,” Mr Grimley, who raised the issue with the road safety minister, said.

“At a time where we have seen locals warn government authorities of traffic dangers, I thought it was extremely important to address the issue as fast as possible.”

Torquay College, where about 1000 students attend, is bordered by Grossmans Rd and Eton Rd, where traffic snarls are regularly spotted at school pick-up time.

St Therese Primary School is also nearby.

Ryan Brinkworth, who has one child at Torquay College, said teachers should supervise children crossing Eton Rd, which runs into Grossmans Rd.

Torquay College parents and students (from left) Ryan Brinkworth and Owen, 8, Bridget Bond with daughters Frances, 7 and Edie, 5, Mit Kalayaboon and Mylo, 10, and Sarah Badelow and Louis, 9, at the busy Eton Rd unmanned crossing. Picture: Alison Wynd

“The concern is that there is no zebra crossing (on Eton Rd), there’s no crossing supervisor and there’s nobody from the school (supervising). Kids are taking it upon themselves to cross the road,” Mr Brinkworth said.

“Cars speed around traffic on the wrong side, when (traffic) banks up hundreds of metres.

“We’ve raised it with the school (and said) that the situation is very dangerous.

“It’s just a matter of time until a kid gets hit.

“Surveys have been done and it’s been determined there is not enough traffic to warrant another lollipop person.”

Mr Brinkworth said parents had raised the issue with the school about a year ago.

Torquay College was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.

Surf Coast Shire infrastructure general manager John Bertoldi said council would gather traffic data to determine if more crossings were needed outside Torquay College.

“While there are no plans to install additional traffic crossings on Grossmans Road before the 2022 school year, council officers have been gathering pedestrian and traffic data to consider if there is a need for additional crossings in the future and where the most appropriate location may be,” Mr Bertoldi said.

“Surf Coast Shire Council officers and Torquay College staff are working together to progress any safety improvements at the school.

“Torquay College has two road frontages, which can be accessed via both Grossmans Rd and Eton Rd.

“There are also a number of drop-off areas a short distance from the school.”

Mr Grimley said drivers were making “poor decisions” when traffic banked up along Eton Rd, and road infrastructure had not kept pace with traffic volumes in the area.

“As a parent and a former school teacher, I know just how hectic school drop off and pick up can be at the best of times.

“The fact that there has been exponential growth in students at the school and surrounding housing developments, it only makes these times worse.

“Whenever children’s safety is at risk, all levels of government should be working together to mitigate any potential disaster.”

Originally published as Parents call for crossing supervisor outside Torquay College to avoid disaster