IT has taken time to achieve, but finally pedestrian safety has been improved at the intersection of Durham and William streets.
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Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) have made changes to traffic lights at the intersection so there is now a red arrow displayed when pedestrian crossings are in use.
Prior to the change, there was only the solid green light and pedestrians had to rely on motorists to notice they were using the crossings.
It made the situation particularly difficult for the staff and clients of Vivability, a disability support service located in lower William Street, who regularly use the crossing to get into the central business district.
Former Bathurst Regional Access Committee (BRAC) chairperson, Bob Triming, had contacted the RMS about changing the traffic lights around 12 months ago.
Bathurst Regional Council's traffic committee and Vivability had also lobbied for the traffic lights at the intersection to have a red arrow when pedestrians are allowed to cross.
Mr Triming said he thought it wouldn't be before 2020 that any changes were seen, so he was pleased to find out that the the red arrow was already operational.
By having the red arrow, it ensures drivers are aware pedestrians are crossing.
"It doesn't matter what pedestrian crossing you use, you've got the safety of the red stop arrow," Mr Triming said.
"...It will make it a lot safer and, as I've already observed, it gives people that peace of mind that cars are going to stop."
Traffic committee member councillor Warren Aubin said it was a big job for the RMS to make the changes, but well worth the effort given the dangerous nature of the intersection before.
"Just from experience watching when I've got learners in the car, sitting a few cars back, everyone just takes off, no one stopped to look for pedestrians," he said.
Newly-elected BRAC chairperson Irene Hancock has also welcomed the change.
She seconded Mr Triming's comments, saying that a red arrow will make motorists stop initially and they'll be more likely to see pedestrians and wait for them to cross before turning.
Seeing that the RMS has responded to requests for improvements has filled Ms Hancock with confidence moving forward in her new role with BRAC.
"It proves once again that having the access committee independent of the council does get things done," she said.
The access committee will continue to look out for other issues of a similar nature in the community and make requests for change where appropriate.
