MODIFICATIONS will be made to traffic lights at 15 intersections in St George that are considered potential death traps because pedestrians and turning vehicles receive a green signal at the same time.
They are among 560 ‘‘green on green’’ traffic lights throughout NSW to be upgraded in a $5million program that comes after recommendations from two coronial inquests.
Roads Minister Duncan Gay said experts from the Centre for Road Safety and Roads and Maritime Services identified the problem signals.
Mr Gay said 420 sets of traffic lights could be improved with a simple timing change.
The remaining signals would need red or orange flashing arrows or a combination of both arrows and a timing change.
‘‘You can’t fight the laws of physics — pedestrians come off second-best in crashes, which is exactly why this program is so important,’’ he said.
‘‘We will be installing new traffic light infrastructure and changing the timing of lights to give pedestrians their own green light or more time to cross before traffic starts turning.
‘‘It is not just pedestrians that will benefit.
‘‘The improvement work is going to provide an additional safeguard for motorists by reducing pedestrian blind spots when turning at lights.’’
Mr Gay said that with 34 pedestrian deaths on NSW roads this year compared with 25 during the same period year, the work was important.
‘‘The program is getting under way immediately and is expected to be completed within three years,’’ he said.
‘‘Highest risk locations are being upgraded first, particularly those in busy built-up areas where pedestrian and vehicle crashes are more likely to happen.’’
Safer hospital crossings
TWO of the intersections where changes will be made adjoin St George Hospital and are just a block apart.
Pedestrians cross Kensington Street at Montgomery Street and Belgrave Avenue on green lights while turning vehicles also get a green signal.
"You see it all the time; cars trying to get around while people are crossing," said Alex Broder, (pictured above) a business manager, who uses the crossings regularly.
"I am pleased they are going to do something about it."
QUICK FIX
St George intersections to be upgraded are:
ARNCLIFFE: Kyle Street and Burrows Street; Princes Highway and Gertrude Street.
BEXLEY: Stoney Creek Road and Medway Street.
BLAKEHURST: Bunyala Street and Water Street.
BRIGHTON-LE-SANDS: Bay Street and Crawford Road.
HURSTVILLE: King Georges Road, Woniora Road and Penshurst Avenue; Lily Street and Durham Street; Forest Road and Bridge Street; Park Road and Cross Street; Croydon Road and Crosby Avenue; Queens Road and Orange Street.
KOGARAH: Montgomery Street and Kensington Street; Kensington Street and Belgrave Avenue.
PENSHURST: Forest Road and Junction Street.
SANS SOUCI: Rocky Point Road and Alice Street.
Are these intersections dangerous and do you know of others that need to be upgraded?
