Central Coast Council will look into providing a zebra crossing on Langford Dr adjacent Kariong Public School and Kariong Childcare Centre, with community concerns that the existing crossing is not safe.
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid has joined residents in requesting a crossing upgrade amid claims motorists habitually ignore the speed limit and the line of sight is impeded by bends in the street.
Kariong resident Anna Allgood said while a crossing guard was on duty for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon, there were times that person could not attend and was not replaced for peak times.
“Langford Dr is currently zoned for a 50km/h speed limit (but) the soft bends of the road mean that most surpass this speed limit and when combined with parked cars it becomes dangerous and unsafe to cross,” Allgood said.
“A zebra crossing will help reduce the speed as well as increase driver awareness of pedestrians in that area.”
Reid said he had been made aware there was not always a lollipop person guiding students across Langford Dr on school days and that during non-school days, the street was still dangerous to cross.
“I have written to Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart and requested this safety feature and detailed the concerns of the community,” he said.
“I thank those people who have brought this issue to my attention and urge the community to exercise caution at the crossing.”
A Council spokesperson said the current crossing was considered the most appropriate treatment for the safe crossing of school students during school peak periods such as drop-off and pick-up.
“The children’s crossing on Langford Dr is provided with kerb extensions, advanced warning signage, red and white posts and flags, and a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) crossing supervisor to assist with safe crossing movements and as an alert to approaching motorists,” the spokesperson said.
“Additionally, a 40 km/h school speed zone operates during these periods.
“TfNSW crossing supervisors are expected to be present during the peak drop-off and pick-up periods.
“Supervisors are not employed during school holidays.
“Arrangements regarding replacement of school crossings supervisors during absences should be raised with TfNSW.”
Notwithstanding this, the spokesperson said Council’s Traffic team would review the request for a marked pedestrian crossing, which would include consulting with the Department of Education and the school.
Not before time, definitely necessary, as Langford Drive is main thoroughfare through Kariong