By Olivia Condous
A community group is petitioning the local council and the state government to fix a “serious issue” that is impacting the safety of countless school students in Melton.
A group of residents have started a petition for the construction of a school crossing on Rees Road in Melton South, in an area that sees students from four different schools crossing the road.
In a Melton council meeting on August 15, councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg moved a motion to investigate the construction of the infrastructure called for by the petition that has amassed almost 250 signatures.
Nasim Uddin, a parent of a student who attends Al Iman College on Rees Road, said there were often road accidents due to a lack of school crossing.
“At the roundabout, when kids try to cross the road, some drivers stop to give way but then a car behind will crash into them,” he said.
“We just need attention as soon as possible, this is a very serious issue.”
Mr Uddin said parents of students were also concerned about the lack of footpath on the west side of the road to access the bus stop, forcing those using public transport to walk through the mud.
“A lot of parents, we have seen women with prams or people with mobility scooters, they have to drive over the grass,” he said.
In the latest council meeting, Cr Vandenberg said the construction of a school crossing in the area was “essential”.
“School crossings are there to ensure the safety of our children when they get to school, especially during school drop off times,” she said.
“This is to cater for the needs of our growing community and not only for the safety of road users, but the safety of all.”
