Fast lane to death

By Casey Neill
RESIDENTS say a new Wellington Road overtaking lane will kill.
But Yarra Ranges Council says the proposed works will increase safety for motorists using the stretch.
The previous Federal Government in 2007 allocated $8 million for passing lanes on Wellington Road.
In a letter to residents, acting Yarra Ranges Council civil development services manager Douglass Dickins said the council had since been working with VicRoads to identify the “most beneficial” locations.
“The prime considerations were travel time benefits, safety benefits, local access improvements, environmental impact, social equity and available funds,” he said.
But Wellington Road resident Graham Morgan said a 750-metre stretch between Spring and Belgrave-Hallam roads selected for one lane provided access to more than 90 households and was an inappropriate location.
“People will be taking their life in their hands. It’s bad enough now. It will be even worse,” he said.
Mr Morgan said drivers already struggled to enter the road with one lane of traffic.
“I think we’ll have a fatality if this goes ahead, in the very near future,” he said.
He said removing vegetation to make way for the lane would also increase noise and traffic.
“It’s only going to make it easier for people to come this way and they’re going to go faster and faster and faster,” he said.
“When you come to an overtaking lane you put your foot down to get past whatever’s in front of you. It doesn’t matter what speed they’re going.”
Mr Dickins said the lane would include a sealed shoulder and central lane for turning into driveways and the four side roads.
VicRoads has submitted a planning permit application to remove vegetation and trees and tendered the project, which is to be completed by the end of the year.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood said there had not been enough community consultation.
“I fully support the overtaking lane, but I can’t see any logic for having it here at all,” he said.
But Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said the works would increase safety for motorists travelling on Wellington Road and turning into adjoining streets.
“Community feedback was sought in early May when residents were sent details of the proposed works,” she said.
“Residents have also been given the opportunity to comment as part of the planning permit process, which is currently underway.”