Crossing plans proceed

Plans to construct two pedestrian crossings in Ettalong town centre will proceed despite protests by members of the Ettalong business community.

Ettalong shopkeepers met last week to protest against the installation of the two raised pedestrian crossings on the corner of Ocean View Dr and Picnic Parade.

Peninsula Main Street coordinator Ms Debra Wales said the proposed works would ruin the Ettalong village charm that residents had worked hard to achieve.

"There has been no opportunity for community consultation on this project," Ms Wales said.

She said the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce sought legal advice to get an injunction to stop the works, but had been advised that it would be liable for costs incurred by Gosford Council should they proceed.

The installation of the crossings would involve removal of gardens and trees planted nine years ago as part of the improvements to Ettalong town centre.

Local businesses raised $40,000 in 1996 towards the improvements.

Council traffic committee chairman Cr Chris Holstein said that the trees needed to be removed for safety reasons, as they impacted on the sightlines for motorists approaching the crossing.

"Plans have gone through the police and the RTA and are in keeping with guidelines," Cr Holstein said.

"The raised crossings are to try and slow cars down as they turn into Picnic Parade. "While it is important to maintain the ambience of the town, we must also maintain safety standards."

The area has attracted $100,000 in Federal Blackspot funding, due to four pedestrian and two cyclist accidents there in the last five years, he said.

Ms Wales said the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce called upon council to use the $100,000 to upgrade a dangerous pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Lone Pine Ave and Ocean Beach Rd.

Studies show that there have been 12 crashes at the intersection between 1998 and 2003 involving seven injuries, including four pedestrians, far greater than the number of accidents at the Picnic Parade intersection, she said.

Jenni Darwin, May 26