Decision details

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

On Friday 19 February 2021, Transport for NSW circulated a leaflet to residents of Cleveland Street notifying them that works will be undertaken between City Road, Camperdown and Anzac Parade, Moore Park, starting next month.

The proposed works include:

·                removing right turns at four intersections;

·                adding left turn arrows to five sets of traffic lights between Bourke Street and Elizabeth Street; and

·                reducing the speed to 40km/h along Cleveland between City Road and Anzac Parade.

Residents have raised significant concerns about the works, particularly the proposed introduction of no right turn restrictions from Cleveland Street. These restrictions will potentially cause rat-running into local side streets. These side streets are used heavily by pedestrians, cyclists and school children.

This needs to be assessed further before Transport for NSW proceeds with these changes.

While there are serious concerns about safety on Cleveland Street, given the number of reported accidents on this road over the last five years, the solution is not to displace traffic into local roads.

The reduction of speed to 40km/hr has been widely welcomed by residents, and this change is consistent with the City’s policy for reducing speed limits on our roads.

A vehicle hitting a pedestrian at 50km/h is twice as likely to kill the pedestrian then if they were travelling at 40km/h. That’s why it’s been City policy for over 16 years to improve the safety of our streets by reducing speed limits, as has been done across the globe in London, Paris, New York and Portland.

Reduced speed limits create safer streets for all road users, including people who walk and people who cycle – they are particularly important for children and older people. Plus, slower traffic makes footpath dining, strolling or window shopping far more pleasant.

I am proposing that I write to the Minister on behalf of residents seeking an immediate hold on the works until a review of traffic impacts on local roads can be undertaken and further engagement with the local community and Council is undertaken, and I ask for Council’s support.

COUNCILLOR CLOVER MOORE

Lord Mayor

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Scully –

It is resolved that the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Minister for Transport seeking:

(A)      an immediate hold on the proposed works to be undertaken between City Road, Camperdown and Anzac Parade, Moore Park as advised to residents on 19 February 2021;

(B)      a review of traffic impacts of the proposed works on adjacent local roads; and

(C)      further consultation with the local community and Council.

Carried unanimously.

S051491