The BCNA regularly meets City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Gateway Ward Councillors to discuss issues of mutual interest. At our recent meeting on 13th July with the Deputy Mayor, Marcus Pearl, and Councillors Cunsolo and Martin we discussed:
- Princes Street drain: The BCNA has proposed a joint approach to Melbourne Water to seek priority for an upgrade of this drain. This is due to health and amenity concerns as explained here. We were told that a report is being prepared about options.
- Safety concerns with the Princes Street pedestrian crossing (near the corner of Rouse Street): Nearby residents and the BCNA have raised safety concerns. As a result, the CoPP has installed warning signs in Princes and Rouse Streets to alert drivers to the presence of the pedestrian crossing. Temporary improvements in lighting are planned in 2021/22 before longer term improvements are considered in 2022/23. Once work has finished on the construction of the new apartments at 92 Beach Street and 2-4 Princes Street, traffic surveys will be undertaken to consider whether any permanent measures are required.
- Need for a traffic management plan for the Graham Street/Williamstown Road intersection: Residents have asked about the safety of school children, cyclists and cars at this intersection given the opening of the Port Melbourne Secondary College in February 2022.
The Councillors report that officers have been meeting with the Department of Transport and the Victorian School Building Authority to identify immediate safety improvements for surrounding streets. The Department of Transport is considering a reduction in the speed limit from 60 km/h to 40 km/h during school hours on Williamstown Road as well as a signalised pedestrian crossing to allow safe access to the new school. Council officers have advocated for a reduction in the speed limit on Williamstown Road from 60 km/h to 50 km/h. Additional safety measures are being considered for the intersection of Plummer and Graham Streets.