CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST
Issued: Wednesday, 18th October 2007
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MEDIA
RELEASE FROM CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST Issued: Wednesday, 18th October 2007 |
The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has taken traffic safety concerns from members of the Stratford community to the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas and local VicRoads representatives.
Mr Ingram, along with Wellington Shire representatives, met recently with the acting regional manager for VicRoads to discuss the concerns with the safety of the highway traffic within Stratford township. VicRoads have on a number of occasions rejected community calls to implement suggested change the traffic management in the main street.
“The on site meeting was a helpful discussion so that VicRoads fully understands the community’s concern with the speed of the main street traffic and the lack of separation with local traffic shopping in the main street,” Mr Ingram said.
“Ideas that were put forward were structural separation of local and through traffic; speed restrictions in the left hand lane; road signage; lessening the speed of main street traffic; or changed road markings and conditions.
“VicRoads has indicated they will investigate some of the options and ideas that were put forward.”
Mr Ingram has also recently met with other local residents who are concerned about the safety of Princes Highway approaching Stratford.
“Two sections of the road have raised a number of concerns and in particular the road to the east of town where a number of fatal accidents have occurred,” Mr Ingram said.
“A number of residents have raised the issue requesting that two sections of the road be addressed: the corner just to the east of town, outside the speed zone signs; and near the Maffra road intersection and the rail underpass.
“The local community has requested that action be taken to address the safety concerns with these sections of road and I have taken the matter up with the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas.
“I have suggested potential options to reduce the traffic hazards at the town, like moving the 80km speed zones or road realignment to reduce the risk of accident at the two sites.”
“Making our road network safer is a key priority of mine and local communities.
“I will continue to work to make those areas of either high accident counts or areas of real concerns identified by local residents,” Mr Ingram concluded.
