Traffic vow ‘broken’

Jessica Benton
A community group has slammed authorities for failing to deliver traffic improvements at Ocean Grove before summer.
Ocean Grove Community Association president Michael Harbour said City of Greater Geelong and Vicroads had broken their promise of traffic improvements before Christmas.
He accused the authorities of leaving Ocean Grove in “general chaos” over summer.
“We’re disappointed the two pedestrian crossings in The Parade that were promised before Christmas were shelved,” he said.
“The fact that it’s a major safety issue which could have been easily rectified is frustrating.
“As far as I know, all the documents were planned and ready to go.”
Mr Harbour said the delay forc-ed residents and tourists to endure busy holiday season traffic snarls.
He labelled the pedestrian crossings as a particularly “critical” project
“It was general chaos over the summer season,” Mr Harbour said.
“Heavy traffic movement could have been avoided if the pedestrian crossings were in place.
“It would have also increased the safety for lots of visitors who aren’t as aware or cautious of the traffic conditions.”
Mr Harbour said the association would follow up on five other projects earmarked for this year, including an investigation into rearranging the town’s main shopping centre car park.
He was also keen to find out the results of the City’s traffic management analysis of the town’s three major intersections: Presid-ents Avenue and The Parade; The Terrace and The Parade; and Tuck-field Street and Marlin Drive.
The community association met City representatives and Vicroads in October to discuss traffic solutions after accusing both authorities of ignoring concerns about traffic congestion and safety.
The concerns led to a community petition and threats of a protest to close The Parade to traffic during summer.
The City had not returned the Independent’s call on Wednesday for comment before the paper went to press yesterday.