Pressure for VicRoads to improve safety along a stretch of Vineyard Road is being ramped up.
Campaigns for changes to the arterial road by Diggers Rest residents and Melton council are continuing after VicRoads declined to install safety barriers in response to resident fears.
Locals are concerned by the number of accidents happening on the road, on which drivers are permitted to travel at 80km/h near Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre, Diggers Rest Medical Centre and houses.
Dale Wright, who lives next door to the early learning centre, said he had been at the scene of four crashes near his property in the past nine months. He said his neighbour had told him she had attended six crashes on the road.
But Mr Wright said the number of near-misses was of more concern.
“We are constantly hearing people skidding and brakes and tyres screeching,” he said. “People are not realising the road conditions until they get right into it.
“Someone’s going to turn the corner and fly right into my house.”
Melton council has moved to write to VicRoads to request it undertake a thorough investigation into incidents on Vineyard Road, reduce the speed limit to 60km/h and immediately install safety barriers.
The council previously wrote to VicRoads in November requesting it look at installing safety barriers on the road.
In January, VicRoads issued a statement saying it would not install safety barriers.
“VicRoads’ assessment found that there are no significant roadside hazards present at this location, vehicles posed no obvious threat of ‘running’ off the road, and the delineation of the road is considered appropriate,” it said.
Diggers Rest resident David O’Connor said many residents felt uncomfortable with the possibility that a vehicle could easily leave the road and collide with buildings.
Mr O’Connor and other concerned residents contacted Sunbury MP Josh Bull following VicRoads’ decision.
Mr Bull has since written to Roads Minister Luke Donnellan, requesting him to ask VicRoads to review its decision and undertake further investigation.
