La Trobe MP Jason Wood and Lysterfield Adult Riding Club trail representative Carol Campbell wants VicRoads to consider making changes toBy Callan Date
VicRoads was recently given the green light to go ahead with a proposed intersection upgrade at the corner of Berwick Road and Wellington Road.
But Lysterfield Adult Riding Club members are saddling up for a protest against the works.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood has sided with the group and plans to lobby VicRoads to consider making changes to the design of the upgrade. Mr Wood said a crossing was needed to make sure horses and riders could cross the busy road safely.
“We have worked hard for this and it is about time for some lights,” he said. “You just have to stand on the edge of the road for a few minutes to appreciate how dangerous it is for pedestrians trying to cross, especially with the unpredictability of a horse.”
Riding club trail representative Carol Campbell has backed Mr Wood’s call for a crossing.
“VicRoads say we can have our crossing if we compile a petition,” Ms Campbell said. “Vic-Roads needs to be more sensitive to this area. It’s not just rural anymore. It is becoming more suburban and busier.”
Ms Campbell said the intersection upgrades needed to cater for pedestrians and horses.
“Footpaths and tracks are needed,” she said.
But changes seem unlikely. VicRoads metropolitan south east regional director Steve Brown said it did not support the installation of a horse crossing at the Wellington Road location.
“VicRoads has met with representatives from the Lysterfield Adult Riding Club in the past to discuss issues relating to access to the equestrian trail on the north side of Wellington Road,” Mr Brown said.
VicRoads figures for the intersection revealed one motorist had died and five were seriously injured between 1999 and 2004.
A report by Shire of Yarra Ranges officers stated the intersection had a history of traffic collisions and works were required to make it safer for motorists.
Yarra Ranges councillors gave approval for the upgrades to go ahead at a recent council meeting.
“There will be an accident if VicRoads doesn’t do something. A crossing or an underpass could be considered also, providing it met with environment guidelines,” Mr Wood said.
Mr Brown said no petition had been received from the club. “The site falls well short of warrants for pedestrian signals and as there are no other provisions for pedestrians in the vicinity or facilities that are likely to generate pedestrians, VicRoads does not consider pedestrian facilities are required.”
