Petition Traffic management masterplan for Caulfield South

Issue:

This petition concerns the proposed pedestrian operated “push button” crossing outside no. 365 and 362 Kooyong Road, Caulfield South. The local residents of Kooyong Road object to this proposal, as Council has failed to consider:
a) The recent reduction of speed to 50 kph and low pedestrian flow recorded,
b) The existing crossing at the traffic lights 250 meters away, at Glen Huntly Road and an additional crossing some 300 meters away closer to North Road. Both signals provide safe crossing and access to Wesley College.
c) The impact on traffic along Kooyong Road.
d) The lack of a traffic masterplan as the above will see 5 sets of traffic lights on the 1.6 km stretch of Kooyong Road, excessive by standards.
e) The significant $300,000 cost considering a pedestrian crossing or pedestrian refuge have not been considered.
f) The loss of on-street parking and availability of parking in nearby side streets.
g) Accessibility for elderly residents.
h) The traffic count conducted by Council is nearly two years old and would reflect inflated pedestrian numbers from COVID-19.
i) Alternative suggestions put forward by residents such as a refuge island and further reducing traffic to 40km/h to establish a school zone.
With two major supermarkets coming into the area, and the Calvary Health Care premises requiring a crossing, a masterplan would assist in coordinating current and future development with fluctuating traffic patterns.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria calls on the government to work with Glen Eira Council and the Department of Transport and Planning to complete an updated traffic management count and a masterplan to better consider growth and development in the Caulfield South area. We ask that the project be delayed until an alternative plan be proposed that meets the needs of both residents, State and Local Government.