REDCLIFFE residents are up in arms over a risky rat run.
Since the partial closure of Brearley Avenue from First Street to Dunreath Drive in January, drivers have been diverting along the previously quiet Boulder Avenue.
Boulder Avenue resident Brian Robinson said the speed and volume of traffic making its way down the street, from regular drivers to taxis, commercial delivery vans and airport workers are serious concerns for locals.
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READ NOW“We’ve been here 11 years, and we’ve noticed a hell of a difference these last six months,” Mr Robinson said.
“It’s frightening, the speed they do. You only need one car to back out at the wrong time, someone not concentrating or doesn’t seem them, and bang.”
Mr Robinson said tempers have been flaring, with locals verbally abused by drivers when indicating they should slow down, and families worried about their children’s safety.
“One boy has been told by his mum and dad not to go on the road anymore,” he said.
“I wouldn’t want to be on a pushbike on this street.”
Mr Robinson and wife Sandra gathered 30 signatures from the street on a petition to draw attention to the problems plaguing Boulder Avenue.
“People were saying good on you for doing it, we needed something done. Sometimes it just takes one person to be interested and get the ball rolling. Everyone’s thinking it but nothing happens.”
Brearley Avenue was permanently closed between First Street and Dunreath Drive to accommodate the construction of Belmont Station.
City of Belmont CEO Stuart Cole said the City raised concerns about potential rat runs down Boulder Avenue back when the road was partially closed following a decision by the previous Transport Minister.
Mr Cole said traffic monitoring undertaken by the City over 2016 to 2017 showed a threefold increase of traffic on Boulder Avenue.
“The full closure of Brearley Avenue is in accordance with the City’s adopted DA6 Vision Plan, and the City of Belmont is looking forward to the earliest decision by the Minister to resolve this ongoing traffic issue,” Mr Cole said.
“Main Roads Western Australia has given City of Belmont officers the impression that the Minister for Transport could make a decision in September this year.”
Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said the department was aware of the rat run problem through residential streets in Redcliffe, and said they have worked with WA Police on the issue.
“The final closure of Brearley Avenue at Great Eastern Highway is subject to a more detailed traffic analysis report, which is also looking at improvements that can be made to the existing access of Boulder Avenue at Great Eastern Highway when the full closure occurs,” Mr Roberts said.
The Main Roads spokesman said results from the report are expected shortly and will be forwarded to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti’s office for her consideration.
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