Ramsay pushes for change at Grove intersection

LIBERAL Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay is calling for urgent action to improve a dangerous intersection in Ocean Grove.

The Presidents Avenue and Orton Street intersection is one of the town’s busiest, providing access to the town centre and the beach, but Mr Ramsay said locals feared a fatal accident was imminent unless the intersection was made safer.

He said motorcyclist Tyler Peace was recently nearly killed at the intersection, and Tyler’s mother Cathy was urging an immediate change.

“The great frustration here is that everyone knows this is a treacherous intersection.”

Mr Ramsay aired his concerns to the Victorian Parliament last week, asking Roads Minister Luke Donnellan what he was doing about it.

“This is a blind spot known to residents over many years. It has been brought to the attention of the government and to VicRoads, but unfortunately no action has been taken up to this point in time.

“My understanding is that VicRoads is aware of this very dangerous blind spot due to the diligent advocacy of local residents.”

He said more than 1,800 people had already signed a petition for the intersection to be made safer by the installation of either lights or a roundabout.

“I understand VicRoads is hesitant to put in traffic lights as per the urban plan. It is blaming its reticence on land negotiations for another site unrelated to this intersection.

“My question to the minister is: is he giving a very strong directive to VicRoads to proceed with the traffic lights and/or safety upgrades to protect the local communities who use this intersection on a daily basis?”

“This must become a top road safety priority.

“Tyler Peace is alive, but others may not be so lucky in the future.”