[Greens-Media] $17m for pedestrians a drop in the ocean

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 23 May 2006

$17m for pedestrians a drop in the ocean

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the Minister for
Road's announcement of  $17 million to provide flashing lights at
pedestrian crossings on four-lane roads is still not doing enough to
make roads safer for pedestrians.

"The NSW government's track record on making our roads safer for
pedestrians and cyclists is very poor. Clearly, pedestrians are at the
bottom of the RTA's priorities.

"Let's not forget that last year the NSW government slashed
pedestrian and bike funding by nearly 2/3 of what it was, reducing it
from $15 million to $5 million.

"Pedestrian and bike funding it now 0.17% of the roads budget. These
figures take some of the gloss off Minister Roozendaal's
announcement.

"In 2005 the government also abolished the position of General
Manager, Bicycles and Pedestrians Branch of the RTA and opted for a
single demerit point deduction rather than a recommended three demerit
point deduction for parking on or near a pedestrian crossing.

"From the Labor government's $2.8 billion budget in 2004/05 the RTA
received over $1 billion to expand its road building empire. In
contrast, the $17 million for traffic lights at pedestrian crossings
looks like chicken feed.

"The NSW Government needs to act now to better provide for
pedestrians in a planned and considered way. 

"One of the first things it can do is to agree to build a pedestrian
bridge and overpass over the Warringhah expressway at Falcon Street,
North Sydney where work for the Lane Cove Tunnel ramps has created a
pedestrian death spot.

"Seven schools use the Falcon Street crossings, the Minister for
Roads is well aware of the problem but still the RTA refuses to act,"
Ms Rhiannon said. 


For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



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