TWO former emergency service officers have launched a campaign to have new safety measures introduced on Heathcote Road before Christmas.
Pat Kennedy, of Heathcote East, and Paul Drayton, of Engadine, want the speed limit reduced and at least two fixed speed cameras installed between Princes Highway and New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights.
Mr Kennedy was one of Sutherland Shire's first intensive care paramedics while Mr Drayton was a NSW Fire Brigades inspector.
Their campaign follows the death of off-duty firefighter Drew Cullen, of Engadine, whose ute was crushed by a truck on the narrow bridge over Woronora River at Heathcote.
Roads Minister Duncan Gay has ruled out any additional short-term safety measures, apart from increased enforcement by police and mobile speed camera units.
Mr Gay said the government had earmarked funding for an upgrade.
Mr Drayton said motorists were not interested in funding being "earmarked".
"We want to see it being allocated and spent as a matter of urgency," he said.
Mr Drayton said a lower speed limit and fixed cameras would be much more effective than flashing lights, which were suggested by Heathcote MP Lee Evans.
"On both approaches to the bridge, the surface is uneven and there is a definite jolt as the motorist enters the bridge," he said.
"I have asked RMS [Roads and Maritime Services] to review and correct this unevenness, which could cause more head-on crashes."
Nine lives lost in past five years
PAT Kennedy, who called for government action immediately after the latest fatality, said 24km-long Heathcote Road had claimed nine lives in the past five years.
‘‘RMS figures show, between 2006 and 2010, a total of 115 people were injured on the 6km stretch between Princes Highway and New Illawarra Road,’’ he said.
‘‘Between 2006 and 2010, there were 138 crashes, with 88 of them crashes involving two or more vehicles.
‘‘Ten per cent of all crashes were head-on collisions while not overtaking.’’
FIX IT NOW
The Leader has received many emails and online comments since Mr Cullen’s death. This is one of them:
‘‘My name is Michael Denyer and I have lived in the shire for 60 years.
‘‘I have seen first hand the carnage on Heathcote Road over many years, from the Princes Highway all the way to Liverpool.
‘‘Many people have lost their lives, and I’m sick of hearing the ‘pollies’ promise money to fix the problem, and it never happens.
‘‘We need to fix the whole road, not just bits.
‘‘We need to take a long hard look and get people’s input to fix it once and for all, like having a dual carriageway from one end to the other.
‘‘We also need the F6 freeway to hook up with Taren Point Bridge.
‘‘Try and get around the shire on the weekend, and you can’t because it’s in gridlock from everyone doing sport. You just can’t move.
‘‘How many more lives have to be shattered before they spend some of the ‘poles and wires’ money to save lives in the south?’’
Michael Denyer, Bonnet Bay
Do you agree the government needs to take urgent action to make Heathcote Road safer?
