ROADS and Maritime Services has rejected claims it installed new pedestrian lights “in the wrong spot” on Dora Street, Morisset.
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The new lights, installed at a cost of $500,000, are located in the main shopping strip, between the intersections with Station and Doyalson streets.
The lights were installed to replace the zebra pedestrian crossing which was deemed to be dangerous because it had been the site of car crashes and injuries to pedestrians over several years.
While many locals say the lights are a welcome boost to the safety of pedestrians and motorists in the town, others aren’t convinced.
The Lakes Mail has spoken to pedestrians who were critical of the lights – the third set of traffic lights within 300 metres on Dora Street.
Some argued the lights weren’t required. Others said the RMS overlooked the most sensible location for the lights – at the entry to Morisset train station.
A spokesperson for the RMS said the train station had not been overlooked.
“Roads and Maritime Services considered the entry to Morisset train station as a potential location for the pedestrian lights, but due to the proximity of the train station entry to Station Street, the entire intersection would have needed traffic lights, including Station Street,” the spokesperson said.
“Traffic lights at the train station entry would require two-lane approaches and would have a large impact on parking in the business district.
“For this reason Roads and Maritime Services instead installed pedestrian lights on Dora Street between Doyalson and Station streets.”
The Lakes Mail observed the new lights in operation on a busy Friday afternoon at knock-off time, and they appeared to work well, with no significantly adverse impact on traffic.
Critics say many pedestrians who exit the train station don’t walk down to cross Dora Street at the new pedestrian lights, and instead still run the gauntlet and cross outside the newsagency.
