Northern Metropolitan Region
Samantha RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) (14:08): (895) My question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. I ask that she make Murray Road in Coburg safer for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. For years the community in Coburg has advocated for a reduction in lanes, lower speed limits, wider footpaths and protected bike paths on Murray Road. This stretch of road sits at the heart of the community, near shops, schools, a children’s centre and preschool, Pentridge, Coburg Lake and the Merri Creek. A recent council survey found that 26 per cent of cars on the road were speeding beyond the legal limit, some reaching 80 kilometres per hour. The footpaths are narrow, designated crossings are sparse and car accidents are frequent, making this stretch of road a risk to the lives of locals. The parliamentary inquiry into vulnerable road users found that many Victorians did not feel safe around roads and made recommendations for reform. It is imperative that the government act on those without delay, and Murray Road is an important place to start.