Locals are calling for action on Coolamon Scenic Drive after two accidents during December on the tourist route.
In 2016 tourist route 28 was extended by RMS and Byron Shire Council along the narrow and windy road that is Coolamon Scenic Drive. However, locals are now requesting that the signs be covered claiming that increasied traffic is seeing a higher number of accidents on the road.
This follows a long running battle by locals to get the ‘intolerable risks’, that were identified by RMS on the road in 2017, addressed.
Prior to Christmas locals wrote to councillor Alan Hunter requesting that, ‘At least guideposts (minor cost) to be replaced by Council by Xmas to improve the minimal night time delineation on the road’. However, council officers said no funding for any works possible as they didn’t have the time or resources to do the work before Christmas.
Call to cover the signs
‘Surely resident and tourist driver safety comes first and in this case the signs would automatically qualify for an immediate temporary covering,’ frustrated resident Anthony Stante told Echonetdaily.
‘Council have baulked at diverting money to even replace the guide posts on the road that have been destroyed by their own maintenance crews.’
Mr Stante is now planning to take his concerns to the next council meeting during public access.
‘There is zero night time delineation with 99 per cent of guideposts missing and destroyed by council mowing,’ he said.
‘The curve speed signs and chevron arrows are missing and centre line marking is incomplete. This makes for sub-standard road with a high risk of incidents, especially with unfamiliar tourist drivers.
‘The road should never have been made a tourist route in 2016. Safety works should have been completed prior.’
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