Danger of ‘rat run’ at Lisarow falls on deaf ears

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, along with Lisarow residents, have expressed their disappointment in Central Coast Council, Police, and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) who have not supported their call to make MacDonalds Rd, Lisarow safer.

Residents of MacDonalds Rd have been asking for the speed limit to be reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h to become consistent with surrounding roads in the area and improve safety for children and families around Lisarow Primary School.

Mehan said that despite speed reviews conducted along MacDonalds Rd and a sharp increase in traffic volume, Council, Police, and TfNSW had decided that the road did not meet the criteria for a reduction.

“While MacDonalds Rd maintains a minimal crash history, residents are concerned for pedestrian safety, especially for school students who use the road to walk to and from school,” he said.

“MacDonalds Rd has become a rat run for motorists avoiding the traffic lights at The Ridgeway intersection with the highway.

“Waiting for a serious crash to prompt a speed reduction is unacceptable.

“Prioritising the safety of pedestrians and motorists by listening to local residents should come first.

“It’s inconceivable that such a decision can reasonably be made by the very departments and agencies that enforce the law.”

Michael Whittington lives on MacDonalds Rd and his child attends Lisarow Public School.

“I am shocked at the lack of duty of care shown by Central Coast Council and Transport for NSW,” he said.

“They appear to be waiting for an accident to happen so their statistical data can warrant a change in the conditions.

“We cannot wait for a pupil of the school, or any other member of the public, to be killed or injured before steps are taken to make MacDonalds Rd safer for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

“Proactive action is required now, not later,” Whittington said.

Another local and President of Lisarow Public School P&C, Hamish Neal, echoed Whittington’s comments.

“Safety is paramount for children and the community,” he said.

“It should be our first, second and third priority.

“We are seeking a slight adjustment in the speed and other traffic calming measures, consistent with the surrounding community roads.

“Like myself, most people would be shocked to find that MacDonalds Rd is 60km/h when surrounding roads are 50km/h” Neal said.