Pedestrians in danger

Pedestrians face danger from a lack of a crossing at a busy CBD intersection.

Frustrated locals are demanding a crossing on the corner of Wattle Street and Parramatta Road in Ultimo as pedestrians struggle to cross the street safely.

“It’s a shocker,” said Chairman of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, Harold Scruby.

“It’s really dangerous, especially when you think that many people walking into the city, towards George Street, have their backs to the cars turning left,” he said.

Wattle Street at Parramatta Road is separated by an island in the middle of the road. The east side of the road has a crossing at the traffic lights but the west side, near Broadway Shopping Centre has none.

Because of this the street has become a high accident risk area.

“There is at least one accident a week there. It’s so dangerous,” said Member’s Health Gym staff member Natasha Solley.

The accidents may also be attributed to a misunderstanding of road rules.

“No one appears to be following these right of way rules,” said Mr Scruby.

According to the RTA Centre for Road Safety: “You must give way to pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.”

Staff from surrounding businesses have expressed concerns about the intersection, highlighting its dangerous nature.

Waitress at Essen Restaurant and Beer Café, Joannie Sinclair said:  “It’s really annoying and dangerous… I would love to see lights put there.”

Rita Hughes from nearby clothing store Electric Monkey agreed.

“It’s really dangerous. I think there should at least be a pelican crossing like the one down the road,” she said.

The intersection is not listed under the RTA’s ‘Black Spot Program’, which means installing a crossing is not a high priority.

By Tara Blancato