New pedestrian crossings coming to North Melbourne, but residents concerned about safety at large intersection

New zebra crossings will be installed at busy intersections in North Melbourne to improve pedestrian safety.

The City of Melbourne will roll out six crossings in Canning St, including the intersections at Shiel St, Buncle St and Vaughan Terrace.

Various traffic calming measures have also been proposed, including narrow road humps, speed cushions and traffic islands to further slow traffic at the crossings.

However, the council said it would be necessary to remove a total of 12 car parking spaces in the affected streets, so drivers can better see pedestrians stepping onto the new crossings.

“Following community feedback, the proposed draft design has been adjusted to enhance safety and to allow for a faster installation,” the council confirmed in February, adding the installation of the new pedestrian crossings was expected to take place during coming months.

“We will continue to work with the local community on further streetscape improvements which can made to the area.”

Long-term Shiel St resident Kaye Oddie said she welcomed the measure, but highlighted the issue of rat-running and drivers disobeying the stop sign at the intersection of Shiel and Canning streets.

“I’m all about improving pedestrian safety but unless you get effective enforcement, people will continue to ignore pedestrian crossings,” she said.

Other residents expressed their concern about drivers not giving way to pedestrians at the zebra crossings at the Haines St/Dryburgh St/Shiel St roundabout.

Sandy Melnikoff said she was almost bowled over by a car while walking her dog in February about 3.30pm.

“She wouldn’t have even seen me, I thought ‘Lady, are you serious? You’re on the phone’,” she said.

Had I not looked she would’ve collected me. She was going fast; I couldn’t believe it.

Another resident Brendan Gleeson said he was alarmed about “how little regard drivers have for the pedestrian crossings” at the roundabout.

“I have several nearby my flat and I regularly hear screams from frightened pedestrians who have nearly been run down on a crossing,” he said.

“Many drivers speed on the neighbourhood roads, compounding the danger.”

“Police and the City of Melbourne need to urgently address the issue before there is a terrible accident.”

Another resident said cars were unpredictable and she was always careful as the “ones that are in a hurry, they don’t stop”. •

Caption: Resident Sandy Melnikoff is concerned about safety at the Haines St/Dryburgh St/Shiel St roundabout.