A TRIAL allowing drivers to do U-turns in-front of the old ambulance station will continue indefinably, with the removal of the U-turn prohibition working well.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Earlier this year Bathurst Regional Council decided on a three month trial allowing motorists to do U-turns in the area, and according to Cr Warren Aubin, the transition has been a smooth one.
U-turns were previously banned in the area because of the risk of collision between ambulances, as they are called out on the job, and other cars.
But the risk was eliminated when the ambulance station relocated to Commonwealth Street in 2019.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
Cr Aubin, who is also on council's traffic committee, said the new system is working well.
"There haven't been any complaints, nor have I heard of any collisions."
He said as a result the three month trial will now be a permanent.
"That is unless something really major happens, not just one event.
"I'm pretty sure it's there to stay. I've used it myself, it's good," he said.
Cr Aubin said the committee decided on a three-month trial earlier in the year just in case the change caused issues, or accidents in the area.
"Since NSW Ambulance has ceased operations at the site I can see no problem with it (removing the ban on U-turns)," he said when the trial was announced.
The old ambulance station ceased operating back in May, 2019 following the opening of it's new, state of the art premises, in lower Commonwealth Street.
While the service relocated, the U-turn prohibition remained in place until earlier this year.
Cr Aubin said the prohibition served a purpose when the ambulance station was operational.
"It was good having it there for the paramedics when they were based there so they could leave quickly without risk of collecting another car on the way out, but now they've moved I don't have a drama with it."
"Council has since put in additional parking out the front of the old ambulance station, and you can park there easily, there are always vacant spots there now.
"So it makes sense if a driver is on the other side and there is parking available, they can do a U-turn to access it," he said.
Cr Aubin said the issue came up for debate before the traffic committee in late 2019, and representations from council, police and the RMS were taken into account before the final decision was made.
He said at the time there were concerns raised people may just come barreling down the road and do a U-turn, causing safety issues.
What do you think?
- Why not write us a letter to the editor ...