AFTER requests dating back at least 13 years, funding has been provided for traffic lights to be installed at a confusing T-intersection at the top of the Bardwell Park shopping strip.
Rockdale Council and the state government will share the $400,000 cost, with work due to take place this financial year.
Residents and shopkeepers told the Leader that numerous accidents and road rage incidents had been occurring at the intersection of Slade Road and Hartill-Law Avenue.
They said motorists were often unsure who had right of way, while others ignored the "Stop" signs, endangering pedestrians on the marked crossing in Hartill-Law Avenue.
Hair salon owner Athena Falidis said it was "one of the most confusing intersections in Sydney".
Ms Falidis said she had circulated a petition soon after starting her business 13 years ago, but the council didn't react.
"I have seen seven or eight accidents on the pedestrian crossing, and lots of close calls," she said.
"One woman [who was hit] was thrown five to 10 metres."
Rockdale MP John Flowers, who announced the funding agreement, blamed the council for the delay.
He said the council had been given state government approval to install traffic lights seven years ago.
‘‘It is the responsibility of councils to maintain their local roads and ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists,’’ Mr Flowers said.
But the council painted a different picture.
A council spokesman said it had made a submission for state government funding in March 2007, but was advised that it did not meet the criteria for full funding, based on traffic and pedestrian volumes.
The council had been told it would have to pay half the cost, and was willing to do so, but the state government couldn’t guarantee when it could pay its share.
In October 2012, the council had made another approach to the government after receiving ‘‘representations from police asking that the site be reviewed’’.
The spokesman said that 10 months later RMS notified council to renew its application, and on August 21 the government had announced the funding.
The spokesman said the council’s contribution would come from section 94A contributions.
RMS would carry out the design and installation, which was ‘‘planned for this financial year.’’
He also detailed a range of other work the council had done to improve the intersection since 2000 (‘‘Stop’’ signs, line markings, new kerb ramps and raised pedestrian crossings).
Will you be be pleased to see traffic lights at the intersection?
