State Government Facing Calls for Further Works on Pacific Highway to Improve Road Safety

BY DAKOTA TAIT

While the Pacific Highway's four lane upgrade has been completed, the NSW Government is now facing calls to invest in further works to help improve the road's safety. 

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie told Parliament on Tuesday the Pacific Highway needed overpasses and interchanges at vital intersections where there had been accidents and high traffic flows in the past.

“Population growth along the Pacific Highway corridor, combined with increasing tourism traffic has made many of these major intersections busy at peak times, raising further safety concerns,” Dr Gillespie said. 

“In recent times, we have seen fatal accidents at these busy intersections and it’s now time for them all to be upgraded.”

Dr Gillespie identified the Medowie Road, Italia Road and Buckets Way intersections north of Raymond Terrace as in particular need of an interchange or overpass following various fatal crashes in recent years.

"All of these intersections are a priority and need to be upgraded sooner rather than later. It is something we must put on the agenda now so that further investment can be made by the State and Federal Governments," Dr Gillespie said.

“The community at all of these locations are seeking interchanges and overpasses at these intersections and I believe they deserve nothing less."

Dr Gillespie said he would be pursuing the issue with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport.

Warning Around Newcastle Light Rail Safety, Footage Released of Near Misses on the Track

BY ISABEL EVERETT

As part of Rail Safety Week 2020, Hunter residents are being urged to take care around the Newcastle light rail.

While the light rail has become a recognisable icon in the Newcastle CBD, Newcastle Transport tram drivers and operational controllers are reportedly frequently seeing motorists, cyclists and pedestrians putting themselves at risk by behaving unsafely around light rail.

Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Mark Dunlop said the lack of awareness for road users and pedestrians is still concerning.

“Every day there are close calls on the network whether it is a motorist running a red light at Stewart Avenue or Steel Street or a pedestrian stepping out in front of an approaching tram,” said Mark Dunlop.

“Our tram drivers do an exceptional job of anticipating the behaviour of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Particularly as trams take longer to stop than other heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks and can’t swerve to avoid a collision.

“Forcing a tram to make a sudden stop doesn’t just put the tram driver, motorist, cyclist or pedestrian in danger, using the emergency brake has a flow on effect for all customers on board.”

Mr Dunlop stressed the need for the Newcastle community to be light rail safe all year round, not just during this dedicated week by following key safety tips.

“We ask road users to simply follow the road rules and be aware and cautious when driving around Newcastle light rail. 

“For pedestrians, be alert to your surroundings by taking your headphones off and putting your phone in your pocket, cross at the designated pedestrian crossings and only cross when the light is green.

“Cyclists should always keep a safe distance from trams and not ride along the tram tracks.”

“Take care around light rail and never assume the tram driver has seen you.” 

Throughout Rail Safety Week (10-16 August), the Newcastle Transport Team will be out and about on the network talking to the community about rail safety.

Hunter Drivers Urged to Drive Safe for Fatality Free Friday

BY JESSICA KRAUSE

To mark Fatality Free Friday, government officials and law enforcement are calling for safer driving and a reduction in fatal crashes throughout the Hunter and NSW.

160 people have died in road accidents this year in NSW, overtaking last years death toll by nine. 76 drivers, 25 motorcyclists and 29 passengers are among this total, with a higher swing towards male fatalities.

Assistant Commissioner of the NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Michael Corboy says the statistics for young people are particularly sobering.

"Sadly, road trauma is the number one killer of Australian children aged 14 and under, and the second highest killer of young people under 24.

"Many family and friends... have had to suffer the tragedy of losing a loved one on our roads."

Drivers are being encouraged to sign the Road Safety Pledge, promising to practice good driving techniques such as wearing a seatbelt, looking out for other drivers and obeying road rules.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says that safe driving is something everyone should think about.

"It is so important that, every time we get behind the wheel, we think hard about the potential consequences of our actions.

"We must all take responsibility."

People wanting to sign the Fatality Free Friday pledge can visit https://arsf.com.au/fatality-free-friday-2/