Safety fears as Lara works stall

Andrew Mathieson
A CONCERNED Lara mother fears a child will die unless authorities act one year-old promises for more school crossings on the town’s busiest roads.
Kim Conway accused City of Greater Geelong and State government of dragging their heels on road safety amid increasing housing development and traffic around central Lara.
Ms Conway said safety upgrade plans were stalled while Geelong’s council waited for Vicroads to deliver on a Government promise more than 12 months ago to install more crossings.
City Hall had told her to expect the road authority to approve work on the Forest Road intersection and that traffic “signals” could be erected long-term, she said.
Councillor Tony Ansett said the crossings “can’t happen soon enough”.
“Three new pedestrian crossings – two at The Centreway and one at the Six Ways intersection – have been approved and will be constructed during the current financial year,” Cr Ansett said.
The crossings would cost the City $130,000, with Vicroads contributing a further $15,000 towards the project at the Six Ways intersection, he said.
Eight units have been built on the corner of Forest Road next to the intersection, adding to a further 280 new house blocks along nearby Buckingham Street.
Ms Conway said she had witnessed several near misses close to the town’s school.
“I hope they stand up and do something before someone ends up dead.”
Ms Conway said oblivious motorists, especially drivers behind “massive” trucks, were dangers around the Forest Road roundabout.
Ms Conway was considering forming a community group on children’s road safety and recruiting signatures for a petition.