Wednesday, 19 February 2025

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit) presented a petition bearing 2020 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly to address the critical safety issues at the Leakes Road interchange on the Western Highway. We understand the Victorian Government is currently undertaking the work for a Business Case to upgrade the Western Highway, including the upgrade of the Leakes Road interchange. However, the safety risk is critical now, and something must be done in the interim to improve the safety of this dangerous interchange. Issue Overview: 1. High Accident Rate: Increased collisions and near-misses at this interchange pose serious risks to all road users. Reports from locals of traffic accidents are a daily occurrence. 2. Lack of Traffic Signals: Currently there are no traffic lights, leading to congestion, confusion, and unsafe driving conditions. 3. Congestion: The interchange lacks proper infrastructure for traffic flow in peak times. This causes congestion, which increases driver frustration and results in more risky driving behaviours.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the Government to 1. Create an Immediate Plan for Road Safety: We request the immediate development of a road safety plan for this intersection, which includes both temporary and permanent fixes to road safety. 2. Upgrade to Permanent/Temporary Traffic Signals: We request that temporary traffic controls be installed at this intersection immediately, to reduce risky driver behaviour and curb the number of accidents. A long-term upgrade, with community consultation, in alignment with the Western Highway Upgrade and current/future community needs is also required. We urge the Assembly to act swiftly to improve safety at this crucial intersection.

Ordered that petition be considered tomorrow.