Hi Supporters

In the interest of keeping everyone updated I wanted to share the following information. 

In addition to the address that Michael Regan (MP for Wakehurst) did one week ago , Matt Cross (MP for Davidson) had also addressed parliament in regards to the stretch of road and the need for action. His address was on 3/8/2023. The details can be found here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardResult.aspx#/docid/HANSARD-1323879322-133592/link/2275

The second matter relates to pedestrian safety on the Forest Way. Children cross the busy Forest Way at Glen Street and Wearden Road to get to Wakehurst Public School. I thank the 495 people who signed the petition organised by Kylie Westren, a concerned parent who walks her children to school every day. The petition states:
 
During school hours, the number of pedestrians attempting to cross these busy intersections often exceeds 30. Meanwhile, cars, buses, and trucks zoom past at speeds of up to 70km/h … it is only a matter of time before a … tragedy occurs.

I have written to the Minister for Roads seeking advice from Transport for NSW. I also appreciate meeting with the member for Wakehurst. We have agreed to advocate for solutions together.
 
Minister Cross did receive a response from the Minister for Roads on 01/09/2023 and it was shared with me. I will copy the details below.

I think everyone will agree that this is the standard "bumper sticker" response from the Minister for Roads. No-one from his team has come to actually have a look at the stretch of road and see first hand how dangerous it is. They look at a Google Map sitting in an office and make blanket statements.

Like others involved in this petition I'm disgusted with the buck passing. The letter doesn't even have the facts. There have been multiple reported accidents at the site.

If this response from the Road's Minister makes you as angry as me then please contact him directly and share your thoughts. 

You can contact him here:

Email: john.graham@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9230 2430
Facebook: johngrahamalp
Twitter: @JohnGrahamALP
Instagram: @jgnswmlc

In Minister Cross's email to me sharing the details of the response he states "Michael I are working together on this, and will continue to advocate for a solution – including 40km/h before and after school and the pedestrian overpass bridge." We thank Minister Cross and Minister Regan for their ongoing support.

FORMAL RESPONSE FROM ROADS MINISTER

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Dear Mr Cross,

Re 01f650688
Thank you for your correspondence on behalf of (name not disclosed) about pedestrian safety on Forest Way between Glen Street, Belrose and Adams Street, Frenchs Forest.
I appreciate (name not disclosed) concerns about pedestrian and road safety and was sorry to hear about the incident involving her daughter. I .asked Transport for NSW to advise me on this matter.
I note that signalised pedestrian crossings are in place at the Glen Street, Adams Street and Wearden Road intersections. There are also footpaths along the eastern and western sides of Forest Way for pedestrians to cross at marked crossing points. Local councils are responsible for providing and maintaining safe, accessible and fit for purpose footpaths.
Transport for NSW will discuss possible opportunities for upgrades to improve pedestrian safety and efficiency at this location with Northern Beaches Council.
Forest Way is a State and major arterial road through the Northern Beaches, which carries a high volume of traffic daily, Under Transport for NSWs guidelines, pedestrian (zebra) crossings cannot be placed on roads with more than two marked lanes in the same direction, such as Forest Way.
I am also advised that traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps or rumble strips are not appropriate in a high-speed environment. Transport for NSW advises that drivers of buses and heavy vehicles cannot safely manoeuvre over these devices without changing the profile of the hump, which lowers the grade that can be constructed, and as such, the effectiveness of these devices.
As Forest Way is a divided arterial road, Transport for NSW considers the 70 km/h speed limit is appropriate for conditions along this corridor and does not support reducing the speed limit at this time.
Regarding a pedestrian overpass, I am advised that under the current policy for assessing a suitable site, Transport for NSW must consider vehicle and pedestrian traffic, road conditions, future demand, and the accident history of the site, which is prioritised for funding on a state-wide basis.
Other factors Include land acquisition and environmental impact, surrounding
Infrastructure, community impact and the necessary design and funding approvals.
I am advised that based on this policy It would be unlikely that this site would be eligible for a pedestrian bridge at this time. However, Transport for NSW will continue to monitor the performance of this location to ensure it is operating as safely and efficiently as possible for all road users.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Sincerely,
22/08/2023
John Graham MLC
Special Minister of State, Minister for Roads, Minister for the Arts,
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, Minister for Jobs and Tourism,
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council

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