ROAD safety campaigners Kent and Dianne McNab have compiled a dossier of 16 crashes near the Mitre, Suttor and Lambert street intersection as they continue their push to have a roundabout installed.
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The McNabs began their campaign 12 months ago following a crash that sent a car careering into the front fence of the Assumption School.
Had the crash been an hour earlier as children were arriving for school, they said, it could have been a tragedy.
While the McNabs have won widespread community support for their bid to have a roundabout installed – including a petition of more than 5000 signatures – they have been frustrated by official crash figures that suggest the area is not a blackspot.
So when Mr McNab addressed the November meeting of Bathurst Regional Council, he came armed with his own data.
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Taking particular aim at councillors who had questioned whether a roundabout was needed at the intersection – including mayor Graeme Hanger – Mr McNab said his data was the result of months of door-knocking around the local area.
“During our door-knocking we have heard of the 40 people who were involved in the 16 accidents as either drivers or passengers who have been victims of the dangerous intersection,” Mr McNab said.
“We have compiled a list of some of the victims, with their permission.”
Among the stories were:
- Susan McMahon had an accident at the intersection on February 4 this year. Ms McMahon was driving from Hill Street along Mitre Street when a car coming up Lambert Street crashed into her. Her car had to be towed from the scene.
- Suzanne Butler was driving from Hill Street into Mitre Street and turning right into Lambert Street when a vehicle coming out of Suttor Street crashed into her. Ms Butler’s vehicle was written off and towed away. Ms Butler had to climb through the window to escape her vehicle.
- Julie Hayes was driving her car in Mitre Street with her three children in the car when they were hit by a car coming up Lambert Street.
“All of these people feel aggrieved that they have been victims of council’s inaction at this dangerous intersection,” Mr McNab said.
“After waiting for 20 years they feel that the time has arrived for council to finally construct a roundabout as recommended by their engineers.
“These victims deserve a letter of apology and a bunch of flowers to say we are sorry for your inconvenience and a roundabout will be constructed as soon as is practicably possible.”