The section of High Street and Burke Road in Glen Iris extending to High Street and Tooronga Road, have seen an increase in traffic issues that demand immediate attention. 

Cars are speeding through the High Street / Burke Road intersection to either 'overtake the trams' or 'beat the traffic lights'.  

This is endangering not only the drivers but also pedestrians and residents in nearby apartment complexes. The recent development of three new apartment buildings (alongside two other existing large apartment buildings) in High Street, which are all in close proximity to the Burke Road intersection exacerbates the existing challenges, with a high volume of residents living in the vicinity.

There are also three schools within close proximity to the High Street & Burke Road intersection also, along with a childcare Centre on the corner of High & Burke Roads, St. James Church on the diagonal corner which regularly hosts playgroups, exercise classes and other community functions.  Because of this, there are always many pedestrians in the vicinity.  

Exiting from these apartment building car parks has become increasingly dangerous. An overload of parked cars (parked too close to driveways) obstruct vision, making it extremely dangerous for residents to gauge traffic flow.  You have to gently ease out into High Street, hoping someone is not speeding towards you (and hoping they can see you).  The western sun in the afternoon, is an added obstacle for visibility for drivers using High Street, so drivers exiting apartment buildings need visibility, and not just hope oncoming traffic sees them!

There are also a construction sites close by causing parking congestion with trades vehicles.  The parking problem has now extended to weekends and is busy every day of the week.

This creates a hazardous environment where accidents are bound to happen unless proactive measures are taken.

To address this pressing issue, reducing the speed limit to 40km/h on High Street could greatly improve safety for everyone involved. Statistics have shown that lower speed limits reduce the frequency and severity of accidents. According to various traffic studies, a reduction in speed can result in up to a 30% decrease in fatalities and serious injuries.

Moreover, a lower speed limit would allow drivers more reaction time and reduce the risk of accidents in these heavily populated areas. This change would not only ensure the safety of residents of the apartment buildings but also protect pedestrians and cyclists who use these intersections daily.

Also, leaving one car space free (by installing "No Standing" signs either side of driveways) would greatly help visibility for drivers to safely exit their driveway.  Currently, large four-wheel drive vehicles, vans, and trucks completely block visibility, and is extremely dangerous!

We urge the local council and traffic authorities to consider this necessary change. By taking action, we can prevent potential accidents and ensure a safer community for everyone in the High Street / Burke Road vicinity.

Please join us in requesting the local government to lower the speed limit to 40km/h at the High Street & Burke Road intersection. Also, restrict parking around driveways for safer exit into High Street. 

Please sign this petition to make our roads safer for everyone.