Bellbrae Primary School precinct slated for safety boost

THE Surf Coast Shire is seeking funding from the state government to undertake road improvements around Bellbrae Primary School.

The move follows community concerns about the safety of the precinct and an independent assessment, commissioned by the shire, of the traffic and safety conditions on School Road.

The assessment resulted in several recommendations to improve road safety in the area, including:

• The replacement of the existing school crossing with a raised pedestrian crossing
• An alteration in the parking angle, to 30-degrees, opposite the Bellbrae Primary School and the introduction of two-minute parking at school times
• The installation of a raised pedestrian crossing on School Road to the south of Cemetery Road/School Road intersection, and
• The construction of three flat top speed humps along School Road to reduce the speed of traffic and deter vehicles from cutting through School Road

A survey seeking feedback on these proposed safety improvements was conducted by the shire last month, with the majority of respondents, comprised of both the school community and surrounding residential community, indicating their support for the proposed changes.

“Feedback has also been sought from other key stakeholders including the police, Department of Transport and Planning, Bellbrae Primary School and the local CFA,” shire councillor Heather Wellington said.

“There was majority support for the proposal to install traffic calming devices including speed platforms and raised pedestrian crossings along School Road.

“There was also majority support for a speed zone reduction to 40km/hr and to minor parking changes to improve turnover of parking opposite the school.”

The council will now work alongside the state government to develop designs for the proposed improvements.

A funding bid is also currently being developed.

“With the high level of community participation and backing, council is now seeking formal approval for the funding from the state government to progress this project,” Cr Wellington said.

For more information, visit yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/BPSroadsafety