Member for The Entrance, David Mehan (far right) with residents from MacDonalds Road, Lisarow.

16 October 2024

 

RESIDENTS of MacDonalds Road have been asking for the speed limit to be reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h to become consistent with surrounding roads in the area and to improve safety for children and families around Lisarow Primary School.

 

Despite the conduct of speed reviews along MacDonalds Road and a sharp increase in traffic volume, Council, Police, and TfNSW have decided that the road does not meet the criteria for a reduction.

 

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said, “MacDonalds Road has become a 'rat run' of motorists seeking to avoid the lights at The Ridgeway-Highway intersection.

 

"Waiting for a serious crash to prompt a speed reduction is unacceptable. Prioritising the safety of pedestrians and motorists by listening to local residents should come first.

 

It’s inconceivable that such a decision can reasonably be made by the very departments and agencies that enforce the law.”

 

While MacDonalds Road maintains a minimal crash history, residents are concerned for pedestrian safety, especially for school students who use the road to walk to and from school.

 

Local Lisarow resident, Michael Whittington said, “As a local resident who lives on MacDonalds Road and whose child attends Lisarow Public School, I am shocked at the lack of duty of care shown by Central Coast Council and Transport for NSW.

 

"They appear to be waiting for an accident to happen so their statistical data can warrant a change in the conditions.

 

"We cannot wait for a pupil of the school, or any other member of the public, to be killed or injured before steps are taken to make MacDonalds Road safer for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

 

"Proactive action is required now, not later!”

 

Local resident and Lisarow Public School P&C President, Hamish Neal said,

 

“I echo Michael’s comment. Safety is paramount for children and the community. It should be our 1st, 2nd & 3rd priority.

 

"We are seeking a slight adjustment in the speed and other traffic calming measures, consistent with the surrounding community roads.

 

"Like myself, most people would be shocked to find that MacDonalds Road is 60km/hr when surrounding roads are 50km/hr.”

 

According to Transport NSW, many factors are considered when setting speed limits. These include crash history, crash risk, road characteristics (alignment, lane width and access points), road function, roadside development, traffic characteristics, at-risk locations and the presence of vulnerable road users."

 

So, why haven't Council, Police, and TfNSW reduced the speed limit on MacDonalds Road? It would certainly seem to meet the 'yardstick' for 'vulnerable road users'.

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