Lord Mayor hopeful Sally Capp vows to have countdown timers at pedestrian crossings if elected

COUNTDOWN timers would be rolled out at pedestrian crossings in Melbourne’s CBD as part of Lord Mayor hopeful Sally Capp’s plan to boost city safety.

COUNTDOWN timers would be rolled out at pedestrian crossings in Melbourne’s CBD as part of Lord Mayor hopeful Sally Capp’s plan to boost city safety.

Extra CCTV and a crime crackdown at hot spots including Bourke and Swanston streets are also promised.

Lighting would be upgraded at major parks and along popular walking routes.

The countdown timers — which show pedestrians how many seconds they have left to cross the road — would be installed throughout the CBD and at high-risk intersections elsewhere.

‘SUPERBLOCKS’ FLAGGED TO BEAT CBD CONGESTION

Lord Mayor hopeful Sally Capp has vowed to install countdown clocks at pedestrian crossings. Picture: Ian Currie

They are already used interstate and overseas with trials showing they boost safety and reduce delays for pedestrians.

Ms Capp told the Sunday Herald Sun: “I will do all I can to ensure we focus on improving personal and community safety.”

“This initiative will help make our walkable city safer for Melburnians and visitors alike,’’ she said.

Melbourne City Council has identified pedestrian crowding as a growing issue with daily visitor numbers to reach 1.4 million within 20 years.

Creating car-free ‘superblocks’ and removing parking spaces to widen footpaths are among solutions the council has flagged.

PROPERTY COUNCIL BOSS BACKED IN RACE FOR LORD MAYOR

Melbourne City Council has identified pedestrian crowding as a growing issue. Picture: Jay Town

One pedestrian has been killed and 31 injured over the past five years.

Ms Capp, a former Committee for Melbourne chief executive officer, said reducing city crime would be a priority if she won office.

She said Bourke, Swanston, Flinders, Lonsdale and Elizabeth streets were problem areas according to crime figures.

Extra CCTV and lighting would help deter crime.

“These are some of our most popular areas,’’ Ms Capp said.

“Three generations of my own family move around our great city and I want to make sure, like everyone else in Melbourne, they feel safe and are able to enjoy all that amazing city has to offer.

“These are practical steps we can take to make our city safer on a day-to-day basis as we work, live and play in and around Melbourne.”

A by-election for the vacant Lord Mayor position will be held in May.

@weshosking