Haven or hazard?

Coledale's traffic island controversy

Margaret McCombie has seen the benefits of Coledale's new traffic islands, but other residents believe they are a safety hazard.

TRAFFIC islands recently installed at Coledale have attracted strong criticism from some local residents but not all.

For Margaret McCombie, the islands are a godsend.

Mrs McCombie is one of a number of Coledale locals who had to deal with the increased waves of cars, trucks and motorbikes following the opening of the Sea Cliff Bridge.

She said the volume of traffic had turned a simple walk to the shops into a dangerous ordeal.

"It would sometimes take you 10 minutes to cross the road," Mrs McCombie said.

"The traffic comes so fast up the hill - you were taking your life in your own hands."

Wollongong City Council constructed the traffic islands on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in front of Coledale Fire Station two weeks ago after receiving $14,000 of funding from the Roads and Traffic Authority.

The islands were designed to slow down traffic and provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and Mrs McCombie said she had already seen the benefits of the project.

"Cars are slowing down instead of tearing up the hill and it's safer crossing here now," she said.

Despite such positives, the traffic islands have also drawn their critics.

Wombarra's John Hill said the islands were hazards that had reduced the width of the road, making it difficult for two vehicles to pass each other safely.

Having already observed one near accident adjacent to the fire station, Mr Hill said he feared someone could be killed.

"On Friday night you get the yahoos' and the two-schooner heroes' coming along the road and there's limited lighting," he said.

"There are tourists coming through who don't know the road & it's only a matter of time."

Members of the local neighbourhood committee asked the council to install the traffic islands more than a year ago to assist elderly residents and other pedestrians.

Acting committee convenor Noel Bottrell said he had originally wanted the islands built in front of the Coledale store, but was still supportive of their current location.

"It's better to have something even if it's not in the most convenient location than to have nothing at all," he said.

However, Mr Bottrell said additional warning signs and improved lighting were needed to alert motorists to the islands.

A spokesman for Wollongong City Council said the council had recognised the need for warning signs and that their installation would be a priority.