Daleys Point traffic concern

Gosford Council has knocked back a request to install cameras, flashing lights and an overhead bridge on Empire Bay Dr at Peridon Ave, Daleys Point, following a request from a local resident concerned about traffic problems.

Member for Terrigal Mr Chris Hartcher presented the request to council on behalf of a local resident.

The resident was concerned that vehicles leaving Peridon Ave were turning right unsafely, rather than turning left and going up to the roundabout.

The resident stated that traffic from the north could be clearly seen approaching, but that vehicles from the south "scream around the blind bend".

She reported that, before Christmas last year, a serious accident in the vicinity of the St Huberts Island roundabout held traffic up for hours.

She stated that a person was seriously injured; and ambulance and rescue helicopter were called.

The resident claimed that parents and business people who used the commercial centre were "as much as fault as the Empire Bay drivers".

"They speed up into Peridon Ave without any consideration for the residents," she stated.

"They are making dangerous right hand turn instead of taking left hand turn to the roundabout only metres away where they can turn with relative safety.

"Many motorists use Peridon Ave to make a U-Turn from the north."

The applicant asked that a No U-Turn sign to be erected together with a Proceed to Roundabout signs, a camera be installed along with flashing lights on the northbound lane before the blind bend.

She also suggested that the ultimate solution would be an overhead bridge.

Council's traffic committee contacted the NSW Police Force who felt that there was no risk posed by motorists making a U-turn into Peridon Ave and turning right onto Empire Bay Dr.

Council has resolved, however, to install raised pavement markers, and to extend the centre line marking to the turning circle to encourage the U-turn to occur in the turning circle section of the road.

Council agenda TR.08.030, 6 May 2008