Narre road menace

FATAL crashes, near-misses and drag racing has become a frequent issue for some Narre Warren residents.
Residents say hoons have been ripping up and down Fleetwood Drive at all times of the day, prompting calls for speed cameras and improved traffic measures.
Ms Anderson, who asked that her first name not be used, said she was kept awake at night by speeding drivers and screeching tyres — drivers who used the chicanes on the street as a race course.
She said there had been deaths and serious crashes, including one car which slammed into a road sign in October and, more recently, a car which smashed through a house.
“ A few weeks ago, a car went, hit three trees, two fences and went through a brick and plaster wall into a bedroom,” she said.
“There was a little girl’s desk at the window, but luckily no-one was home.”
Ms Anderson said she was worried for everyone’s safety, including the children who attend local kindergartens, child-minding centres and Fleetwood Primary School.
“There are kids on bikes and skateboards in the afternoon, and it is only a matter of time before someone gets killed,” Ms Anderson said.
Kerry Coffey, Principal at Fleetwood Primary School, said she shared Ms Anderson’s concerns.
“There are screeching wheels and people driving really fast. We have had children crossing the roads near the crossing ladies and cars haven’t stopped in time,” Ms Coffey said.
“There are speed humps in place, but they aren’t really working. “
Both Ms Anderson and Ms Coffey said they would like to see speed cameras put up on the street to deter drivers.
Ms Anderson said she would also like to see the speed limit dropped to 40km/h throughout most of the road and not just in front of the school. She also would like Golf Links Road re-opened so that traffic would ease on Fleetwood Drive.
Last week, the Casey council said the extended closure of Golf Links Road was for the safety of motorists and there was no approximate time frame for the reopening of this road.
City of Casey acting manager of transport Vincent Fernando said the council had undertaken extensive local traffic management works along the length of Fleetwood Drive, Narre Warren, in response to community concerns which has resulted in a 14 per cent reduction in driver speeds along Fleetwood Drive.
He said further traffic surveys were going to be carried out during the second school term this year.
“Hoon driving is a behavioural problem, and traffic calming devices are only a part of the solution. Police enforcement is the greatest deterrent for these drivers and council is committed to working in partnership with Victoria Police to stamp out this behaviour through targeted enforcement,” Mr Fernando said.
“Council encourages any person that witnesses incidents of hoon driver behaviour or has information about people driving in a careless or irresponsible manner to call council’s toll free ’Hoon Hotline’ number on 1800 18 HOON (1800 184 666).”
Council has implemented a number of road safety education measures in Fleetwood Drive including engaging the residents in the “50 In My Street” bin sticker program as well as including Fleetwood Drive in council’s Speed Observation Trailer program to reinforce the speed limit to motorists.