Traffic issue to be discussed

The 21-signature petition, presented in May, requested Tyringa Crescent be closed from the roundabout at Grand Ocean Entrance and a ‘no through road’ sign be placed at the Bramston Vista entrance.

The petition stated concerns of people using the road as a shortcut to Burns Beach Road, increasing vehicle numbers to more than what the road was designed for, and speed was an issue.

‘There are significant safety concerns with non-residential vehicles using the street at high speeds,’ Burns Beach resident Gil Burridge said at last Tuesday’s council briefing.

However, the council document stated a technical assessment of Tyringa Crescent showed closure of the road could not be justified.

Assessment included a seven-day traffic count survey in July 2013 that found vehicle numbers on Tyringa Crescent, which was designed to carry a maximum of 1000 vehicles per day, ranged between 152 vehicles per day south of Grand Ocean Entrance and 168 north of Bramston Vista.

Infrastructure services director Nico Claassen said this meant the road was only at 15 per cent capacity, which was very low.

It also found the average speed was 44km/h, less than the limit of 50km/h.

‘We will always have one or two people who don’t abide by the traffic rules but that is a matter for the police,’ Mr Claassen said.

Mr Burridge said the average speed of 44km/h would be because most residents travelled between 20km/h and 30km/h but non-residents travelled much faster.

Cr John Chester asked if it was something the City could ask the police to look at but Mr Claassen said given 85 per cent of the vehicles were travelling 6km/h under the speed limit there would be no advantage in referring it to police.

He said people were encouraged to report any specific incidents to police.

Mr Burridge said closing the road would only affect those who use Tyringa Crescent as a shortcut. However, the council document said closing the road would create the need for a turn-around facility for rubbish trucks, removal vans and emergency vehicles.

Mr Claassen said it would also negatively affect surrounding roads, as it would displace traffic onto them.

If a permanent closure was not possible, Mr Burridge asked that a temporary closure be put in place to gain feedback.

Cr Chester asked if traffic-calming such as speed humps had been considered. Mr Burridge said it would be great if the City considered these measures as it would slow traffic and prevent non-residential vehicles entering the road. Tyler Brown