Councillor Glenn Taylor moved the motion, saying crossing between Robertson Park and the Orange Civic Centre was tough for able-bodied people at the best of times.

“How there hasn’t been someone killed is beyond me,” he said.

He said research would have to be done on traffic impacts, but the council had a responsibility to provide safe access to its facilities.

Councillor Reg Kidd said the council needed to look at the problem with the future in mind.

“Perhaps it’s time to look at pedestrian access over the road or a tunnel under the road,” he said.

“I know people might raise their eyebrows and say that would cost a million dollars, but it’s about the development of Orange and where it’s going.”

Councillor Ron Gander argued exiting McNamara Street onto Byng Street in a car also had its challenges and it should become left-hand turn only.

Earlier this week, the Central Western Daily asked whether readers would support pedestrian traffic lights on Byng Street. 

Of the responses, 41.5 per cent agreed crossing was too dangerous, while 58.5 per cent believed the current pedestrian refuge was sufficient.

Readers also took to social media to have their say on the issue.

David Shields commented pedestrian traffic lights in Byng Street and also the taxi rank in Anson Street should have been done years ago.

Meanwhile, Nathan Hunt disagreed with the concept, arguing the pedestrian traffic lights outside Kinross Wolaroi School should be removed.

Nathan Howard said more rail crossings should be opened to take traffic flow away from Byng, Summer and Dalton streets. 

Jen Anderson and Daryl Kennewell suggested reducing the speed limit as an alternative.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au