Safe road crossing causes concern
Dunsborough residents have raised concerns over road safety in the town, with Gifford Road near Dunsborough Primary School and Caves Road among problem areas.
Danielle Beckwith raised the issue on social media last week and said she had been involved in a number of close calls on Caves Road where the speed limit was 70km/h and children crossed from the Dunsborough Lakes area to town.
She said she rode a scooter to work every day and often children didn't see or hear her coming.
"They've designed it so you've got to cross three busy roads to get to town from Dunsborough Lakes," she said.
"I nearly skidded out the other day to miss a kid."
Ms Beckwith's partner Simon Bolton, whose son previously attended DPS, said Gifford Road was also an issue because hundreds of children who biked or walked to school had to cross a busy road without crossing guards.
"I just think the local government seem to be putting cars before pedestrians," he said.
"The problem is nothing will happen until a kid gets killed and that's the stage we're at."
According to the school's website, Dunsborough Primary School representatives have previously conducted pedestrian and traffic counts and the area exceeded the numbers needed to be considered for a traffic warden.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said following an email from Ms Beckwith and discussions with DPS principal Garry Jones she had contacted the Minister for Transport to see if the issue could be investigated again.
City of Busselton engineering and works services director Oliver Darby said the City was continually working to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety.
"The City is in the process of undertaking further works around Dunsborough Primary School which will improve pedestrian and vehicle access predominately to benefit the school community," he said.
"This includes construction of a new footpath and changes to the parking arrangements, particularly the kiss and drop."
Mr Darby said the City also "endeavoured" to provide pedestrian refuge islands.
In relation to concerns over the Caves Road crossing which links Dunsborough Lakes to town, Mr Darby said the City had "limited input" into changes in the area because it was managed by Main Roads.
Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said road infrastructure and "related signage" at the Caves Road crossing was installed according to relevant standards.
Dunsborough police declined to comment on the issue.
