Earlier this month, Minister for Roads & Road Safety responded to our submitted petition. Her response acknowledged the concerns we raised but tragically another student has been hit by a car on this dangerous section of road.

Minister Horne indicated in her letter that in combination with previous investigations, speed changes, line markings and stakeholder meetings, a proposed higher cost solution is now on a list of  future program options for funding consideration in a Statewide context.

However, danger still remains on this stretch of Diamond Creek Road. This became so very obvious on Thursday when tragically another student was hit by a car when attempting to cross the 70km/hr road on his way home from school, having crossed from a bus stop on Diamond Creek Road. 

Whilst he recovers in hospital with serious injuries, our community is in disbelief that another serious accident has occurred, same time of day, same location and same local school community affected. We are demanding solution’s immediately from Vic Roads/Department of Transport.

• Why can’t we have 40km school zones to reduce the speed at school times?
• Why can’t a set of pedestrian lights go in somewhere near here?
• Why is PTV using bus stops in such hazardous locations?

Not surprisingly after Thursday’s accident, VicRoads has now contacted me yesterday to advise:

 ‘DTP has a developed a proposal to install pedestrian operated signals at Greenhill Drive and it is being considered for funding statewide basis. In the meantime, DTP is working with its road safety partners including City of Banyule and Victoria Police to identify other treatments that can mitigate the safety risks. Your suggestions will be considered as part of this investigation.’

It’s my very frustrated view that two accidents of young people could have been avoided if action was taken earlier to reduce speed, improve visibility and identify a location for a crossing when the dangers have been identified and are known to VicRoads.

Long after they recover physically, these students and their friends and families still need to find a way to commute safely to school each day.

Our community needs a safe option to cross Diamond Creek Road!

Lodge your concern of this hazardous road to:

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/traffic-and-road-use/report-a-road-issue