TRAFFIC-calming devices intended to improve safety at intersections have been blasted by councillors as they seek to review the measures in response to community complaints.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The pedestrian platforms and refuge islands, more commonly referred to as blisters, were installed at several locations during last year’s road-building season, funded by federal government grants.
However, councillor Kevin Duffy said a workshop and tour was required to review the blisters, as well as roundabouts and footpaths.
Staff noted all traffic measures were installed in line with road standards and turning circle requirements.
However Cr Duffy, speaking as a bus driver, said it was difficult to navigate a bus through the affected intersections.
“The one in Dalton Street and Spring Street, I stop the traffic, and on Moulder Street and Sale Street, a lady turning right into Moulder Street [means] everyone’s stopped because there’s only room for one car,” he said.
“You’re looking at damage to vehicles, I know a bus tyre is $1500 and if you bust a rim [on a car], they’re probably $1300 or $1500 as well,” he said.
He believed modification was necessary.
Mayor Reg Kidd noted the number of black tyre marks on a number of blisters.
“Which means someone can’t get around them [and] there are two that are damaged,” he said.
Councillor Glenn Taylor believed the blisters in Gardiner Road narrowed the road to a point where heavy vehicles travelling in opposite directions would need to stop to give way to each other.
“If we don’t need it or want it and it doesn’t serve a purpose, why do we do it?” he said.
“[The lanes are] a standard size, but we’re narrowing them to a point where if there’s two large vehicles coming at each other, it’s almost starting to get dangerous.”
Councillors resolved to request taxi and bus company representatives join the City of Orange Traffic Committee.
Cr Duffy also asked for committee reports to be brought to councillors when money needed to be spent.