With the suburb split in two by the road, residents and their children have to contend with speeding cars and red light runners “most days” – and it’s worse on school days with many having to access the school which is located on the western side.
Hundreds of residents, who have signed a petition calling for a footbridge crossing and at the least speed cameras to slow motorists down, have gained the support of Cr Linda Downey who initiated a move by Canterbury Bankstown Council to advocate the NSW Government to provide a pedestrian and cycle overpass as part of any upgrades proposed for the road.
Resident Valerie Stuart started the petition after hearing and witnessing the community’s concerns and almost becoming a victim herself.
“I have personally nearly being hit while crossing the road at the lights,” she said.
“I would never let my boys – who attend Milperra Public – to cross that road without my assistance, it’s far too dangerous.
“We are encouraged to allow our children to cycle or walk to school but as it stands there is no way that it is safe to do so.”
Many residents have made their thoughts known, including Paul Judge, who said: “Let’s avert a tragedy before it happens”; Roslyn Hicks says she hears multiple stories a week about near misses “because of careless drivers who don’t care about following the simple rule of stopping at a red light”; and “This is desperately needed to save people,” Sophia Deftereo said.
Cr Downey said an overpass – similar to the one at Bass Hill near Lake Gillawarna – would provide a safer and healthier route for pedestrians and cyclists.
“It will improve connectivity between the two ‘halves’ of Milperra and provide residents and visitors with a safer and more reliable access across Henry Lawson Drive,” she said.
