Cade Lucas
The use of a plastic sheet as a temporary traffic barrier along a busy Footscray street has been described as “not fit for purpose” and a “cheap and easy option” by concerned locals.
The plastic sheet is currently filling a gap in the traffic barrier along Hopkins Street in Footscray that was created by a recent accident.
The barrier is near the intersection of Hopkins Street and Moore Street, right outside the Moon Dog brewery in the former Franco Cozzo building.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) installed the barrier as part of a road safety upgrade.
Darrell Pitt from the Footscray Community Action Group said the plastic replacement had been there for at least a couple of months and wasn’t good enough.
“Obviously the barriers are there to help keep people safe but they’re not fit for purpose,” Mr Pitt said.
“The repairs have reached an all time low when what is now in use is a piece of glad wrap. It’s just a plastic sheet.”
Mr Pitt accused both Maribyrnong council and DTP of putting savings ahead of safety.
“I think they’ve just gone with the cheap and easy option rather than going with a long term more robust option.”
Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said council was working closely with the DTP, which is the primary authority for Hopkins Street, to improve safety at the intersection with Moore Street.
“As a safety measure, DTP installed fencing to enhance safety and to prevent pedestrians from stepping onto the road,” Cr Lam said of the plastic sheeting.
“They have been informed about the damaged section, and Maribyrnong City Council is working with DTP to have this repaired. We are committed to ensuring these measures are effective and are collaborating with DTP to monitor and address any safety issues. DTP has also introduced a 40km/h speed limit reduction along Hopkins Street to further improve safety for both cyclists and pedestrians.”
DTP is working with council to repair the fence.
Mr Pitt said the problem went beyond the use of plastic as a temporary replacement, saying better stronger barriers were needed.
“They should build it once and build it properly.“
