[Greens-Media] Lane Cove Tunnel scar a death spot for school children

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 19 May 2006

Lane Cove Tunnel scar a death spot for school children

Greens MP and roads spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says pedestrian crossings
at North Sydney over the Warringah Expressway have become a death trap
for school students as a result of three new ramps being built for the
Lane Cove Tunnel.

"Students from seven schools use the major North Shore pedestrian
crossing at Falcon St. The ramps cut footpaths and create extra
crossings. The Minister for Roads needs to act now to fix the problem
before there's another 'Sophie Delezio' style accident", says Ms
Rhiannon.

 "These problems have been repeatedly pointed out to the RTA, making
a mockery of the Minister for Roads' recent announcement of an audit
of pedestrian crossings stretching over four-lane roads. I wrote to the
Minister in February about this issue, with no reply.

"These crossings have no signs and are blind to oncoming motorists.
Vehicles regularly run red lights at speed and cement walls and high
steel structures obstruct views. 
 
 "In January 2002 Willoughby and North Sydney councils endorsed a
detailed proposal for an inexpensive pedestrian and cycle bridge and
underpass that would have fixed this problem. 

"North Sydney Council is prepared to waive its usual policies and
allow advertising on the pedestrian bridge as a way to fund it. The
plans have not been progressed.

Mr Bill Orme, a community member of the Lane Cove Tunnel Falcon Street
Consultation Group says schools and local councils have repeatedly
warned the RTA about the risks. 

"Before work began there was an uninterrupted northern footpath used
by school children. Students now have to cross three separate pedestrian
crossings," Mr Orme said.

"Often teachers have to manage groups of students on one side of the
extremely busy road as well as children stranded on a central traffic
island who can't complete the crossing in one trip. 
 
"The Minister for Planning originally consented to two exit ramps for
the tunnel at this point. The RTA increased the number to three without
consultation, claiming the increase was 'consistent with the
approval'. 

"There have been over ten significant changes to plans originally
approved by the Minister for Planning, with the RTA adopting options
most beneficial to motorists not pedestrians.

"The RTA says it works to balance the interest of motorists,
pedestrians and cyclists but the reality is that pedestrians and
cyclists are at the bottom of the pecking order," Mr Orme said.

For more information
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0432 332 104. School/resident
contacts available.
Bill Orme, Community Member, Lane Cove Tunnel Falcon Street
Consultation Group; North Sydney Council Pedestrian Committee and
Co-ordinator, Walking Volunteers ph 9954 4504



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au