Andrews call for disabled taxi access

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews has asked Council to investigate the possibility of providing better access for taxis setting down disabled and elderly passengers at the Woy Woy bus and rail interchange.

Ms Andrews told Council that a number of taxis have been issued infringement notices for setting down disabled and elderly passengers near the lifts within the interchange.

This section is currently buses only.

The existing head of the taxi rank is located about 20 metres away from the lifts and according to Ms Andrews, taxis with disabled passengers are often forced to use the rear of the rank during peak periods.

Council's traffic committee has recommended that a disabled set-down area be provided at the head of the taxi rank.

The committee said the buses-only section was necessary due to the restricted manoeuvring area and potential for collisions with other types of vehicles.

In other traffic matters, Council will consider improving safety features for the intersection of Horsfield Bay and Woy Woy Rds after receiving a request from resident Mrs J Simpson.

Mrs Simpson complained that heavy vehicles travelling south on Woy Woy Rd could not negotiate the bend at the intersection without crossing the double unbroken centreline.

She said drivers heading north and turning right from Woy Woy Rd into Horsfield Bay Rd had limited sight distance and there was potential for head-on collisions.

Council's traffic committee recommended that vegetation on Woy Woy Rd be trimmed to improve sight distance, larger warning signs and possible flashing lights should be installed to warn southbound traffic of the severity of the bend, and a detailed survey be carried out with concept plans to upgrade the intersection.

Carl Spears, October 20