We met with Council's traffic engineers on 22 August to discuss the intersection. The summary of Council’s position was:

1. A roundabout will not work
2. They acknowledge they have prioritised the carpark over existing uses of Greenwood Avenue 
3. The removal of the right turns at Greenwood makes the intersection safer
4. The local road network will absorb the traffic impacts.

Council have used safety and capacity concerns as to why they have made their decision, but do not appear to have adequately considered the same safety and capacity concerns regarding the traffic that will now divert onto other local streets. Their response was they will worry about it if it becomes an issue.

We presented the petition with over 800 signatures on it, and expect a formal response to this in due course (likely after the work is complete).

We have since written to all Councillors, Nick McGowan and Matt Gregg to reconsider the decisions made by the engineering team and balance needs of the community with that of the newly built carpark.  

We have requested an independent traffic engineering investigation to reassess alternative options for the car park access and ensure all impacts are modelled and understood, specifically to explore:

• All options for access to the carpark.
• Whether the alternative access routes for Greenwood Avenue traffic are safe and efficient.

This investigation should be undertaken now.  Council should also resolve and confirm, now, that the ban on right-hand turn access into and out of Greenwood Avenue is temporary, and not permanent, so that this investigation work can occur.  When that investigation is complete, we also ask that the Councillors consider the next stage forward, on the basis of proper, full modelling, and the views of the community who will be impacted by this decision. The worst outcome for the community, is that this investigation does not happen at all, and that local residents are left to deal with the consequences of the decisions. 

Council's Director Strategy and Development has responded and it does not look like they are going to review the changes now. They have noted that they plan to review the traffic distribution following the completion of the works - which under normal circumstances and for any private developer would occur BEFORE the works as part of regular planning process. However they have now also stated that the works "can easily be changed to reinstate the righthand turn from Greenwood Avenue", so it's not over just yet.

We will be requested the traffic modelling through freedom of information, as at the meeting it became clear they had only reviewed 

1. A ‘do nothing’ option (i.e. leaving Greenwood Avenue as is)
2. A roundabout (as per the original plans)
3. Traffic signals at the carpark entrance. 

No modelling has been done at Wilana Street, but it has been done at other intersections on Station St/Bedford Rd including Warrandyte Rd and Wantirna Rd.

Thanks,

Emily M