Crossing path is inaccessible

I am concerned about the rail crossing on Rawson Rd, Woy Woy.

On the southern side of Rawson Rd, there is neither footpath nor any barrier to prevent pedestrians using the southern side of Rawson Rd to cross the railway line.

There are no signs warning motorists of the danger to pedestrians or the disabled on electric mobility carts.

On the northern side of Rawson Rd, there is an island pathway enclosed by a fence and automatic gate that closes when the road boom gate comes down.

The pathway however is not connected to anything other than rough ground that is isolated by a crash barrier.

In other words, this small island of pathway is not accessible and certainly would not be accessed by the disabled approaching from the southern end of Railway Rd wanting to cross the railway line.

The road's width is inadequate to accommodate pedestrians and incompetent impatient drivers, who are sadly increasing in number as each day passes.

I suggest that until a proper pathway is built on both the northern and southern sides of Rawson Rd, large signs be erected requiring motor vehicle traffic to give way to pedestrians.

If this requires the council to pass new local bylaws, so be it.

It is long overdue that pedestrians be recognised and protected by local council and governments.

I suggest that one of council's primary obligations, along with the supply of clean water and sewerage removal, is to engender overall general good health.

One way is to encourage pedestrian exercise within the council's environs.

Council should be working to remove private vehicles from suburban areas and encouraging pedestrian and public transport movement instead.

One does not need to be a rocket scientist nor spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on research studies to see that our society is not being helped by anti-social individuals isolating themselves in polluting wheeled tin boxes that are also dangerous weapons when misused.

This behaviour helps to create physical and mental illness and is largely an expensive, unnecessary indulgence.

Perhaps it is time to consider the implementation of local bylaw prohibiting the use of private vehicles one day per week.

The mandatory enforcement of the use of public transport and "Shank's Pony" could result in an improvement in the understanding of the problems faced by the disabled and infirm or those enlightened people who consider others by not using private motor vehicles.

It would also give greater awareness of the consequences of anti-social behaviour resulting in driving license suspension.

Richard Newby Woy Woy