A RESIDENT fears that the intersection of Stewart and Howick streets could become more prone to accidents if the proposed Taco Bell development goes ahead.
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Bathurst Regional Council received a development application (DA) in November last year proposing the build the fast-food restaurant across two lots on Stewart Street.
The proposal has sparked both excitement and concern, with neighbouring residents coming up with a list of issues that may arise from it.
High on the list of concerns is the increase of traffic through the intersection, which could lead to congestion at peak times and, in one resident's opinion, potentially lead to more accidents.
Stewart Street resident Lyndall Whiley recalls there being multiple accidents at the intersection, including two where cars have ended up on their roofs.
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In her submission to council, Ms Whiley provided photos from news articles showing accidents that have occurred right near the proposed site for Taco Bell.
"I believe it is just a matter of time before more accidents occur in this spot," she said.
"Traffic builds up speed going down this section of Stewart Street. The additional traffic movements in and out of the fast-food outlet, plus the complexity of vehicles making a right-hand turn into the premises so close to an intersection, would greatly increase the risk of further accidents."
In documentation provided by the applicant, it is estimated that there would be about 100 trips during peak hour on weekdays, 50 into the site and 50 out.
This is based on data gathered from other major fast-food outlets in Bathurst.
"Taco Bell outlets are less well-known and not as established as either McDonald's or KFC outlets, and are therefore likely to generate traffic generation rates less than KFC outlets," the traffic report reads.
"It is assumed that traffic generation from the proposed development is more likely to be approximately 80 per cent of the traffic generation rates for KFC outlets."
While these numbers have been provided, Ms Whiley is not convinced the estimates are high enough.
In addition to concerns about motorist safety, she also fears pedestrians could be at risk with the higher traffic volumes.
She said they won't have the protection of pedestrian crossings like the ones near KFC and McDonald's.
