By Tanya Steele
A local parent has begun the process of making a change for the safety of school children and pedestrians in her neighbourhood.
Upwey resident Jessica Stander has started a petition in her local neighbourhood, calling on local government to establish a safe pedestrian crossing on Old Belgrave Road.
“I would like a designated crossing zone,” said Ms Stander.
Around two weeks ago Ms Stander said she began to take action about the pedestrian crossing as it had become an increasing worry for her and other pedestrians in the neighbourhood.
“I was becoming really worried about the fact that we have quite a few school kids, including my own who have to cross this road,” she said.
The footpath on Old Belgrave Road is a daily concern and the footpath along the road abruptly ends halfway along the road.
This forces pedestrians to cross without a designated crossing area, at a hazardous blind curve.
“It’s a pretty blind corner, the cars coming down from Upwey Village can’t see,” said Ms Stander.
“The kids can’t see the cars and the cars can’t see the kids very clearly.”
Ms Stander said it is a very active footpath to the Upwey Village area and taking action, the concerned parent of two has submitted messages to the Yarra Ranges Council and is also gaining traction online with her Change petition – with over 100 signatures by Friday 20 November.
“At just our school around 15 children use the route every day,” she said.
The petition calls for the local government to take immediate action to improve safety for pedestrians on Old Belgrave Road, starting with the installation of a pedestrian crossing at the risky blind corner.
“This is a critical step towards safeguarding our community and preventing a tragic accident from occurring,” read the petition.
“This situation puts all pedestrians under an unreasonable risk. Located in a residential area where children, adults and the elderly regularly walk, this stretch of road has become a serious and potentially life-threatening issue that demands immediate attention.”
Ms Stander said she has also been in contact with her local candidate in the Yarra Ranges Council and will continue to advocate for the crossing.
