Call for safe crossing- Glengollan CEO John Gerrard, Knox councillor Karin Orpen, Ferntree Gul

By Casey Neill
A RECENT tragedy has reignited calls for a pedestrian crossing on Ferntree Gully’s Underwood Road.
An 87-year-old woman died on 22 August after her motorised scooter collided with a four-wheel drive on the busy street.
Police believe the Glengollan Village resident did not see the approaching car before leaving the footpath.
Ferntree Gully resident Edward Plenty has asked Knox Council to consider a zebra crossing or pedestrian lights for the road.
“I walk along here quite a lot and you see people on their way to the shops with their walkers and so forth,” he said.
“There really is nowhere for the elderly, school children and other residents to cross the road between Glengollan and the shopping centre.”
Roy Burton, a Glengollan resident of six years, has watched Underwood Road’s traffic volume increase.
“And they are not going that slow either,” he said.
“They’re doing well over 50.”
Glengollan CEO John Gerrard said motorists generally used Underwood Road responsibly, but may think of concrete pedestrian crossing points along the road as mere traffic obstacles.
“I think it’s good that the council has put them in to help people cross the road,” Mr Gerrard said.
“But maybe because there’s so many people becoming a bit blasé about them. A pedestrian crossing will focus people.”
He also said many people preferred to walk the whole way across the road rather than seek refuge half way.
“No one wants to get stuck in the middle because I think they feel a little vulnerable,” he said.
Dobson Ward councillor Karin Orpen said the council would present a report on a possible Underwood Road crossing at its October meeting.
VicRoads must approve a zebra crossing or pedestrian signals for the street, which is also near Ferntree Gully North Primary School.
“In the past this road hasn’t met the VicRoads warrant,” Cr Orpen said.
“We need their approval to put in even a pedestrian crossing so we will continue to apply pressure.”
VicRoads Metropolitan South East director Steve Brown said if a proposed crossing met criteria, the council could make a submission to VicRoads for consideration.