After a just under a week of polling, the results are in on what residents think should happen to the much debated intersections along Sturt Street.
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In a poll put out by The Courier online in an article regarding what should happen with the intersections, nearly 75 per cent of participants voted for changes along the busy road.
The clear first preference, receiving over 42 per cent of the votes, was the implementation and construction of traffic lights.
This was the preference of Ian Tantau from Country Casseroles on the corner of Ascot Street and Sturt Street, who says the issue has gone beyond telling people to drive safer.
“We don’t want the intersection to be closed – that’ll only hurt businesses,” he said.
“Constructing traffic lights seems to make the most sense.”
As part of the ‘Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections’ plan, Regional Roads Victoria have stated traffic lights may significantly reduce crashes by 45 per cent, improved traffic flow and provide pedestrians with a safe place to cross the road while maintaining access to Sturt Street from side roads.
The least popular choice was the extension of the median strip running down Sturt Street which would eliminate the ability to cross the road.
Regional Roads Victoria and City of Ballarat want to hear what you have to say regarding potential changes to six high-volume incident intersections along Sturt Street.
It has been said previously this is not a ‘one-size-fits-all issue’.
Different methods may be implemented at different intersections.
Residents have been invited to voice their opinions on the issue at some upcoming community information sessions.
There have been 86 accidents and 130 injuries reported to Vicroads at the six intersections over the last 10 years.
The community information sessions will take place at the Zillies Room inside the Golden City Hotel on Thursday 24 January between 10am – 1pm and 4pm – 7pm.
“It’s all well and good to tell people to drive better and read the road signs but the accidents keep happening – something needs to be done,” Mr Tantau said.
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