Road safety changes recommended

Several changes may be made to road safety measures around Umina Beach Public School, following recommendations from Gosford Council's Traffic Committee.

A guardrail may be provided on Hobart Ave, Umina Beach, to protect the school playground from the risk of "errant vehicles".

A review of safety in the vicinity of Umina Public School was requested by Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews on behalf of the Umina Public School Council.

Representatives of the school had discussed the use of a guardrail at the intersection of Hobart Ave and Sydney Ave to prevent vehicles mounting the footpath and entering the school playground in the event of a traffic accident.

The discussion was held with council officers.

The Traffic Committee stated that a review of crashes at the intersection over the past five years showed that none had been of a type that would result in a vehicle leaving the road in the direction of the school playground, however, it considered that a guardrail should be provided near the northern boundary of the school to protect the playground from the risk of errant vehicles.

The committee also recommended the placement of chevron alignment markers through the bend to guide motorists through the bend.

A survey of pedestrian and traffic numbers may also be carried out on Melbourne Ave at school peak times to determine if there is a need to replace the existing children's crossing with a line-marked pedestrian crossing.

The Traffic Committee stated that the eastern side of the crossing was positioned midway along an elongated rectangular concrete island on Melbourne Ave.

It stated that: "This is an unusual treatment and pedestrians tend to cross Melbourne Ave at various locations along the concrete island rather than congregating at the designated crossing point".

"Improvements such as fencing should be considered so that pedestrians are guided to cross at the facility that has been provided."

A request for flashing lights at the 40km/h school hours speed zone has also been forwarded to the Roads and Traffic Authority for consideration.

Council agenda TR.07.077, 4 Sep 2007