News

Promise more action to help intersection safety

WHEN Ashbury resident Tony Rodi saw council workers replacing a giveway sign at the intersection of Crieff and Cheviot streets, Ashbury, a couple of weeks ago, he breathed a sigh of relief since there had been a bad accident there just the week before.

A day later though, Mr Rodi was in disbelief.
The giveway sign had been replaced by a stop sign but the large, overhanging tree had not been trimmed back so the signage – whatever it may be – remains ‘invisible’ to drivers.
“It had taken me two and a half years of lobbying the council and the State Government to upgrade the safety at that intersection which has been the site of two terrifying accidents in the last year and then they ignore the whole point which was to cut back the tree which obscures any sign,” he said.
“I event went as far as getting 30 residents to sign a petition for the council requesting the tree be cut back and the intersection made safe.
“Cheviot Street was always a quiet street but after they put an unnecessary roundabout in Roslyn Street, drivers turn left into Cheviot and just put their foot down; I’ve quite often seen drivers doing 120kmh because they don’t know the giveway or now stop sign is there; you simply can’t see it until you’re on top of it and by then, it’s too late.”
A Canterbury Bankstown Council spokesperson said: “Council has inspected the tree and issued a works order to ensure the stop sign is highly visible for motorists.
“Additionally, a ‘stop ahead’ sign on approach to the intersection and a painted ‘stop’ sign on the road will be put in place. This will be done by next week.”