Ian Glading is calling for something to be done to address the rat run through to Perth Airport.
Camera IconIan Glading is calling for something to be done to address the rat run through to Perth Airport. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Council wants Google to fix rat-run street

Sarah BrookesSouthern Gazette

THE City of Belmont wants Google Maps to change its software to stop a small suburban street from being used as a rat run by drivers accessing Perth Airport and DFO shops.

Redcliffe residents say since the permanent closure of Brearley Avenue – the main access to the airport – last year, commuters were being directed by Google Maps down Epsom Avenue on to Stanton Road.

Local Ian Glading, who is a candidate in the City of Belmont elections, said residents along Stanton Road had had enough.

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“Within a few hundred metres there are two schools, a day care centre and an aged care place all along this small stretch of road,” he said.

“Last week a car flipped over at the intersection of St Maria Goretti’s Catholic School while the 40km/h school zone speed limit was in place.

“This road should not be carrying the volume of traffic it is to the airport.

“The safety of our children is paramount and this situation needs addressing immediately before a child is hurt, or worse.”

Google Maps
Camera IconGoogle Maps Credit: Supplied/Google Maps

City of Belmont chief executive John Christie said it was working with Main Roads and Perth Airport to request Google to amend its software.

“The City does recognise that this section of Redcliffe is undergoing a significant change in its redevelopment with the Redcliffe Station, and the new retail and business opportunities within the Airport Precinct,” he said.

“Google Maps does not help this situation by providing this as the quickest route for drivers travelling from the west.

“We are requesting Google to amend this in their software and for them to indicate the posted route via Great Eastern Highway and Tonkin Highway.”

Caption: City of Belmont’s John Christie and Major Phil Marks sit on the purple bench outside Ruth Faulkner Public Library.
Camera IconCaption: City of Belmont’s John Christie and Major Phil Marks sit on the purple bench outside Ruth Faulkner Public Library. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

However, Mr Christie said it was always envisaged that Stanton Road would link the new Redcliffe Station, the future Development Area 6 and the Airport Precinct for residents and businesses, and would result in increased traffic volumes.

“This road has been continually monitored to assess the traffic volumes and speed, and at this stage is operating well within all acceptable engineering and safety parameters,” he said.

“There are a number of traffic counts that have been carried out along different sections of Stanton Road, including a traffic count on the section of Stanton Road-Morrison Street-Lyall Street, which recorded 9356 vehicles a day.

“The City however, as part of the Development Area 6 planning works, will be assessing feed-in roads such as Epsom, Durban and Stanton to determine whether any additional traffic treatments may be required in the future.”

A Google spokesperson said Google Maps aimed to find the best routes for Aussies.

“When government agencies reach out with suggested improvements, we work with them to update our map model to help keep cities on the move.”