PARRAWEENA ROAD, TAREN POINT, TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
Page: 1327
Mr KERR (Cronulla) [5.39 p.m.]: I draw to the attention of the House the appalling consequences that flow from the Government's decision not to provide right-turn arrows at the intersection of Parraweena Road and Taren Point Road, Taren Point. I have received a number of representations from residents, one of which states:
My husband & I have lived in Woodfield Blvde, Caringbah (East of Parraweena Rd) for over 14 years. The said intersection is a nightmare for motorists as well as pedestrians. This is from a motorist point of view:
- Parraweena Rd East: There is a right hand turn lane but no right hand signals. This is a disastrous situation and near head on collisions that I have witnessed turns ones stomach.
- Parraweena Rd North: Travelling east and trying to drive straight across to get to our street is impossible. There is no right hand signal, therefore traffic turning right holds up the traffic that is trying to drive straight ahead. There is, however, a left-hand turn lane!
- There is a NO RIGHT right hand turn sign for peak morning traffic but during the day and afternoon peak hour this area is not worth travelling along. Again traffic on the northern side trying to travel east straight across Taren Point Rd, take dangerous chances, as after sitting through 3 and 4 sets of lights.
There needs to be a complete overhaul of the traffic system at this set of lights to allow all traffic to flow. Right-hand signals and lanes are needed on both sides of Parraweena Rd, as well as a lane to be able to travel straight ahead from north to east.
I made representations to the Minister. It is unfortunate that in the afternoon peak hour travelling through this intersection can take up to six phases of traffic lights. Many near misses have occurred due to frustrated drivers trying to make illegal right-hand turns against oncoming heavy traffic. A suggested solution would be to phase out Parraweena Road lights in one direction at a time similar to those at the intersection of the Kingsway and Wandella Road at Miranda. Instead, the solution offered by the Minister is that motorists can use The Boulevard or Koonya Circuit signals to access Taren Point Road. That is a ridiculous option for residents and businesses in Parraweena Road, who would have to take a trip around the block of up to five kilometres to access those alternative intersections.
The Minister's decision shows a total disregard for road safety. He is responsible for ensuring that signal-controlled intersections operate efficiently and safely, and Parraweena Road certainly does not do that at present. The installation of right-hand arrows would provide an ideal opportunity to improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike: it would provide right-turn arrows as well as pedestrian signals. This is literally a life or death situation. It is something that transcends policy. I am sure that anyone who travels along that road, whatever locality they come from, would certainly echo what I have said.