Road safety fears over jacaranda loving tourists
SELFIE-LOVING tourists are flocking to see a jacaranda tree tunnel in Sydney and it’s creating local headaches.
SELFIE-loving tourists are flocking to see a jacaranda canopy in Kirribilli, in Sydney’s North Shore, leading to concerns over safety.
McDougall St has exploded into a springtime haze of purple flowers and visitors are making the most of the pretty scene, the Mosman Daily reported.
Brides and grooms are turning up for daily photoshoots on the street — and there are lots of smartphone selfie snappers.
Many of the tourists are standing in the middle of the street to pose and one has been spotted lying on the roadway taking photos.
“It’s difficult to drive there without hitting a tourist. They are out in the middle of the road,” chair of Milson Precinct Jillian Christie said.
“We all love it and we are understanding but we don’t want the tourists hurt.”
The precinct group, which is made up of Kirribilli residents, believe the situation has become dangerous and want North Sydney Council to take action.
Ms Christie would like to see an official jacaranda festival to be organised and to change the street to one way for the six week period the blooms are out. She also thinks a small section of the road should also be closed to traffic.
“Let’s plan for next year so we can do something,” she said. North Sydney Council said the popularity of the jacaranda trees has increased in recent years and it is aware of the concerns.
“The feasibility and costs of a traffic management plan and a jacaranda festival are being considered for the future.” a spokeswoman said.
“In the meantime, as McDougall St is a public road, pedestrians and motorists should observe the road rules at all times.”
The team at the nearby Ensemble Theatre have noticed the influx into the normally quiet street over the past two weeks.
“Every morning as I drive into work, I have to slow my car right down as tourists and brides move away from the middle of the street to let my car past,” theatre publicist Merran Doyle said.
“There has been at least one bride every day this week, and two just now as I moved my car at lunchtime.
“It’s a delightful distraction to see so many beautiful brides each day as I walk through the park to work.”
The Sydney Flying Squadron Yacht Club are enjoying the extra visitors to the street and have noticed individual and organised groups.
“Everyone should come down and check it out,” office manager Jessica Hayton said.