Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking funding for road safety improvements near Bellbrae Primary School, which were largely supported by locals who completed a survey.
As part of Council's Road Safety Strategy, and in response to community concerns about safety at school pick up and drop off times, Council commissioned an independent safe system assessment of the Bellbrae Primary School precinct.
The safe system assessor made a number of recommendations to improve safety along School Road. Council conducted a community survey in March seeking feedback on traffic and safety improvements with a high number of respondents in support of the proposal.
Improvements include:
- Three raised platforms (flat top speed humps) along School Road to reduce the speed of through traffic and encourage more vehicles to remain on Great Ocean Road/Anglesea Road rather than cutting through School Road.
- Raised pedestrian crossing on School Road south of Cemetery Road/School Road intersection (crossing supervisor will remain in place during school times).
- Replace existing school crossing with a raised pedestrian crossing (crossing supervisor will remain in place during school times).
- Change in the angle of parking to 30 degrees opposite school and introduce two-minute parking at school times to support greater turn over in these spaces during school times of operation.
Cr Heather Wellington said there was an excellent response to the survey both from the local residential community and from the school community.
"Feedback has also been sought from other key stakeholders including the police, Department of Transport and Planning, Bellbrae Primary School and the local CFA," Cr Wellington said.
"There was majority support for the proposal to install traffic calming devices including speed platforms and raised pedestrian crossings along School Road.
"There was also majority support for a speed zone reduction to 40km/hr and to minor parking changes to improve turnover of parking opposite the school.
"With the high level of community participation and backing, Council is now seeking formal approval for the funding from the state government to progress this project."
Council is working alongside the state government to develop detailed designs for the proposed works. A funding bid is currently being developed seeking support in the delivery of this important project.
In addition, Council and the Bellbrae Primary School are working together to explore further parking improvements to make school times safer.
To view the full plans in detail and stay up to date with the project go to yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/BPSroadsafety
