An accident waiting to happen

Many drivers ignored the ‘no entry’ sign at Harrow Street and illegally entered Crawford Road, according to those who live near the intersection.

Crawford Road resident Bronwynne Jones said they had safety concerns about the spot for years.

“Motorists completely ignore the ‘no entry’ sign, we’ve got cars just flying up past the sign,” she said.

“We’ve had lots of near collisions and about six years ago, we had two bad accidents with cars hitting poles and trees.

“We’ve got lots of kids that have moved into the neighbourhood now, walking to school.”

Ms Jones said that she and a group of concerned residents wanted a long-term solution, such as opening the street to two-way traffic with speed bumps to slow down drivers.

“It’s just a matter of time before there’s another accident,” she said.

Bayswater Mayor Barry McKenna said in response to residents’ concerns, the City had requested more police patrols in the area and upgraded the signs on the road.

He said next month, a traffic classifier would be placed at Crawford Road, a small metal box that collected traffic speed and volume data.

“The City has recently completed a local area traffic management study in the vicinity… (that) recommends to monitor for any excessive speeds before considering the installation of traffic-calming treatments (at Stuart Street and Crawford Road),” he said.

Maylands MLA Lisa Baker, who hosted a community meeting on the issue this month, said the traffic study should involve community consultation.

“It’s a good start and part of the solution, but is a missed opportunity to not meet with residents and hear their thoughts,” she said.

Ms Baker said the crest on Crawford Street “exacerbated” the safety issues.