VicRoads report recommends removing car parks as safest upgrade option for Sydney Road

Sydney Rd is set for a transport shake up, with a new report recommending the removal of car parks on the busy road corridor. The prospect has angered local traders, who fear a lack of parking will threaten their livelihood.

Cyclists on Sydney road. Carparking would be banned from Sydney Rd for six months under a proposed trial that traders say could ruin businesses. Picture: David Caird

A safety audit for one of Melbourne’s busiest road corridors has backed the removal of car spaces as authorities grapple with the future of Sydney Rd.

VicRoads is currently assessing five options on how to improve transport in the popular shopping strip and have put the ideas out to community consultation.

But traders are worried VicRoads have already made up their minds after discovering a report compiled by the authority suggested removing car parks on Sydney Rd was the safest possible outcome.

The document recommended Option 3 as the safest choice for the corridor, with upgrades to include protected bike lanes, raised tram stops and cutting most on-street parking.

Brunswick state Greens MP Tim Read said the report showed it was time to build safer lanes for cyclists travelling along the street at peak hour.

“We now know the safest option for every road user on Sydney Road involves protected

bike lanes,” he said.

“Sydney Road is consistently one of Melbourne’s deadliest areas for pedestrians and people

on bikes, yet there are some who would rather nothing changes at all.

“These days many inner-city residents are realising the benefits of riding bikes, and after

decades of being second-class citizens it’s time they got an equal slice of the infrastructure

pie.”

Sydney Road is a busy road corridor, used by bikes, trams and cars. Picture: Jason Edwards

But Sydney Road Brunswick Association Manager Claire Perry said the project was meant to be about improving the road in a way that utilised it best.

“If the assessment is to be about safety — why was there no option to upgrade the Upfield bike path — hence making it much safer for cyclists?” she said.

“Option 3 still mixes trams, buses, cars, trucks cyclists and pedestrians.

“It is not all about Sydney Road being the transport corridor or a 24/7 clearway — it is a well established shopping strip.

“Most people agree it is not the road to cycle down.”

Ms Perry said Sydney Rd supported the livelihood of family-run businesses and health services, with the loss of car parks likely to cut down their trade.

VicRoads is expected to make a decision about Sydney Rd upgrades by the end of this year.

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A Department of Transport spokeswoman said they were currently considering community feedback.

“Any recommendations for the future of Sydney Road will consider the impact and timing of nearby projects,” she said.

“The Department of Transport does not favour any of the options.

“Community feedback, operation of the network, accessibility and support for the local shopping precinct are among a range of factors to be considered in determining the future vision of Sydney Road.”

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