By Kyra Gillespie
Pakenham resident Mikayla Kennett has started a petition to make Pakenham’s Racecourse Road safer for families.
“At this present time, Racecourse Road only has one suitable pedestrian crossing which is located near the milk bar on the corner of Racecourse Road and Cameron Way.
“Although this crossing is suitable for pedestrian use, it is not suitable for the use of young families and needs to be upgraded to a more appropriate and safe crossing.
“The crossing itself, is nothing more than a small road island for pedestrians to stand or wait at, in the centre of the busy traffic travelling at 60 kilometres per hour on either side.
“For parents with prams or pedestrians using mobility aids, such as mobility scooters, walking frames, bicycles and so on, waiting on the road island can be both an uncomfortable and daunting experience when you feel one wrong move will mean the end of your life.
“The only other crossing is a lights crossing which is another 10-minute walk down the road, located at the Racecourse Road and Princes Highway intersection,” Ms Kennett said.
Ms Kennett doesn’t drive, which means that she has to navigate the busy traffic on foot.
“I struggle to attend TAFE on time, because sometimes I will be left waiting for over 10 minutes to cross the road so that my son can attend childcare.”
“The crossings need to be wide enough for families, prams and wheelchairs to wait safely.”
Upon contacting the Cardinia Shire Council, Ms Kennett was told that the road did not belong to council and that it was an issue to be taken up with VicRoads.
“We will take this feedback on board and over the coming weeks work with key community stakeholders to investigate any opportunities to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Racecourse Road,” a VicRoads spokesperson said.
Ms Kennett has started an online petition, which can be found at www.change.org and will also be putting hardcopy versions in local stores and schools.
