Member for Robertson has taken his campaign for a solution to hazardous traffic conditions at the intersection of Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr to Federal Parliament.
Reid gave a speech on the escalating issue in the House of Representatives and called on both Central Coast Council and the NSW Government to act.
“The Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr intersection is not safely managing the level of traffic that passes through it, during morning and afternoon periods,” he said.
“I have met with concerned residents on site and seen for myself the escalating issue.
“Both Central Coast Council and the NSW Government need to act to ensure safety is maintained at this intersection.”
Reid said the situation was creating unsafe driving conditions for many people and causing anguish for residents.
“I have heard and read reports from residents who have been directly involved in car accidents and the long-term effect that this is having on their lives and on their families,” he told Parliament.
“Residents have also shared stories of their near collisions that have occurred because of the difficult and confusing design of the intersection.
“This intersection simply has become too dangerous for many residents to use.”
Reid said he had met with concerned residents on site during a peak period of the day.
“What I saw confirmed what residents had been telling me,” he said.
“The intersection is not managing current traffic levels and this is causing unsafe conditions for drivers.
“Following on from this meeting, I have written directly to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison and Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart.
“Residents may not be aware that both of these roads actually come under the responsibility of different levels of government.
“Empire Bay Dr is the responsibility of the NSW Government and Wards Hill Rd the responsibility of the Central Coast Council.”
Reid said he was determined to bring both of these levels of government together to find a long-term solution.
He said his online petition had been signed by close to 400 people from not only the immediate surrounding communities but right across the Central Coast region.
“The … intersection handles traffic from residents from the south, including from the Peninsula—areas like Umina, Ettalong and Woy Woy – and residents from the north, including Erina, Terrigal and those central suburbs in Kincumber,” he said.
“The importance of this intersection cannot be understated.”
Reid also gave a shout out to community members who have highlighted residents’ concerns, including Bill Young, Helen Matthews, Jane Leivesley, Samantha Goode and Treveen Brown.
“These residents … have been absolutely outstanding in their advocacy for local issues, but in particular they’ve been outstanding in their advocacy to improve the road network right across the Central Coast, including this most dangerous intersection,” he said.
Reid said speaking about the issue in the House of Representatives would draw much-needed attention and send a strong message to the NSW Government and Central Coast Council.
“I continue to encourage concerned residents in the community to get involved by visiting my website and completing the petition,” he said.
Source:
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid