State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy and State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, saw firsthand the confusion and frustration the crossings caused during a recent visit to Yarrawonga.
“Cars were stuck in the roundabouts because they were giving way to pedestrians, more cars were backed up behind them, it was woeful,” Mr McCurdy said.
“There are so many other places to put the crossings, so many alternatives that would be safer for pedestrians and reduce congestion.
“Despite community outcry, the government is refusing to budge on what is simply a bad idea.”
Ms Broad said that she was shocked to see the impacts on motorists on a quiet day, let alone during the peak holiday season.
“We had people coming up to us on the street saying what a terrible idea it was and that the crossings need to be moved,” Ms Broad said.
“The traffic banking up I saw was on a quiet day, I shudder to think how chaotic Belmore St is during the height of summer with tourists everywhere.
“The Yarrawonga community has made it clear; we need to move these crossings to a more sensible location.”
The crossings were installed by Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) in April-May 2021 as part of a $1.5 million spend to improve safety down Belmore St. As part of the project, RRV reduced the permanent speed limit to 40km/h and installed speed cushions on approaches to Belmore St in Orr, Piper and Witt Streets.
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