Casey councillor Paul Richardson, federal MP Jason Wood, Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek, school council president Lucienne By Callan Date
PARENTS, a politician and a principal are putting pressure on officials to change traffic conditions at a busy Berwick intersection.
The Princes Highway, Mansfield Street and Parkhill Drive junction has caused major problems for the hundreds of students who walk to and from Berwick Lodge Primary School each day.
A boy was hit by a car at the intersection earlier this month and, although he was not seriously injured, the incident has increased the concern.
Federal MP Jason Wood and Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek are among the many people calling for change.
Mr Wood said he had been alerted to the problem by a local parent.
“After being approached by a concerned parent, I made contact with Berwick Lodge Primary School and was disappointed to discover that this intersection is a major safety concern,” Mr Wood said.
“One child has already been hit by a car and safety improvements need to be urgently considered before anyone else is hurt or worse, killed.” Mr Grossek is just as worried.
“Urgent action is needed and changes need to be made,” he said.
“We would like to see two things happen. We would like a third lollypop person brought in to help and we also want the traffic signals to be adjusted.”
Concerned Berwick parent Mary-Anne Hall has also joined the chorus of discontent surrounding the intersection.
Ms Hall said she had almost been hit by cars twice.
“As a regular walker, I use this intersection daily and am often appalled by the lack of driver awareness for pedestrians,” she said.
Consultation between school officials and VicRoads and the City of Casey is expected to help address the problems.
Casey councillor Paul Richardson is taking up the issue with Casey.
Mr Wood said he would continue to support the school’s quest to get something done about the notorious crossing.
“Casey Council needs to assist by providing an additional lollypop person to help children cross the highway and VicRoads need to intervene by providing a red turning arrow and slowing the traffic down to 60 km/h in the short section approaching the school.”
“Berwick Lodge Primary School is behind these measures and I look forward to working with them to achieve these goals.
“I would call on local residents to support the primary school as the safety of the children is the number one priority when crossing this busy highway,” Mr Wood said.
