Mandurah: Aldgate Street residents want something done about traffic issues

ALDGATE Street residents have been expressing their traffic concerns for more than 16 years, but to no avail.

They first raised their grievances to former Mandurah MLA Roger Nicholls.

Mandurah MLA David Templeman said he has emailed the City of Mandurah on their behalf on a number of occasions but received no response.

Now, with the approaching construction or completion of major works at either end of the once peaceful street, residents hope action might be taken.

Resident David Tournay said the narrow road had originally been designed for a small amount of traffic but was now used by more than 7000 vehicles a month.

Over the years, two people had been killed, vehicles had crashed through fences and walls and the road was often used as a raceway.

Patrons attending Peel Thunder games parked on verges and lawns in the street, which would only get worse now parking opposite the ground had been fenced off.

He said motor cyclists also used the road at speeds of up to 150kph without stopping at the intersection.

Mr Tournay suggested a range of options including lowered speed limits, a roundabout at the France Street intersections, speed humps, road widening or blocking Aldgate Street off as a cul-de-sac.

Mr Templeman, who met with residents on Tuesday, said Aldgate Street remained a busy access road and the traffic volumes, speeding vehicles and frequently reported anti-social behaviour required an action plan by the City and other stakeholders.

Aldgate Street is book-ended by the soon to be redeveloped Mandurah Forum shopping centre and other commercial properties at one end and the almost-completed Aldi supermarket and a childcare centre at the other.

Both would create huge traffic management issues that would be felt by Aldgate Street residents.

Mr Templeman said a clear management strategy should be sought, aimed at traffic calming speeds along the road and addressing safety concerns associated with anti-social behaviour.

“If the council has a plan for traffic management for this important road, it must consult with residents and explain how their interest and concerns will be addressed,’’ he said.

City chief executive Mark Newman said that, at the request of deputy Mayor Darren Lee, a council officer had been invited to attend a meeting with residents to discuss their concerns.