No change in Picnic Parade

Gosford Council has resolved not to take any action to provide a pedestrian crossing in Picnic Parade, Ettalong, instead retaining the existing pedestrian refuge island.

Council also resolved that its officers and the local police identify the parameters for a 40 km/h speed limit for the Ettalong Beach Town Centre, and that the proposal then be submitted to the RTA for consideration.

The council adopted a traffic committee recommendation on March 7 to endorse a plan for raised pedestrian crossings, linemarking and signposting works on Ocean View Rd on the approaches to the Picnic Parade intersection, Ettalong Beach.

As part of a submission received from Ms Debra Wales of Wales and Associates Pty Ltd, it was asked that an "at grade" pedestrian crossing be provided in Picnic Parade on the northern leg of the intersection.

The submission also asked for a 40 km/h speed limit for the Ettalong Beach Town Centre.

A report from council's traffic committee stated that the existing pedestrian refuge island was considered to be the preferred treatment for pedestrian movements across Picnic Parade at the intersection of Ocean View Rd.

It stated that the refuge provided a safe haven for pedestrians and that there was a concern that a linemarked crossing would increase the accident potential, as there would be occasions that traffic queued at the crossing would extend back into the roundabout.

It also stated that the raised crossings proposed for Ocean View Rd on the approaches to the Picnic Parade intersection would reduce the speed of traffic, and motorists turning into the northern section of Picnic Parade would do so at low speed.

Council agenda TR.06.005, July 4