Follow Up On Pedestrian Phase/ Walk Way - Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt

It seems that this is a dragging saga now. Where we have been  lobbying/ advocating for a pedestrian phase/walk way, on the Eastern side of Luxford Road. entrance to Westfield Mount Druitt.
Click here for previous post 

Sometimes, it is  hard to chase up items of improvements and follow up on progress on it. This improvement was approved by an officer from NSW Roads and Maritime Services, last year, on the basis funding will be covered by NSW State government.  Now I believe the new officer looking into this matter understand the need for  the pedestrian phase/walk way but is unsure why it hasn't  move on properly. It was told to me that Council is seeking fund s for the project and it is with an Officer with Blacktown City Council that is handling it.

After being told by a NSW RMS officer that funding has been approved, now they are saying being  Luxford Road, is a Council-owned Road - Council needs to seek the funds to complete the improvement. Yet, if it was a State/Federal owned Road it  propably would have been completed.

So, where does this place the community in jeopardy of possible accidents, leading to death. It seems a bureaucratic football. If one team has the ball and passes the ball to the other team and they just drop the ball - who picks up the  ball and scores the 'community goal'?

We are waiting for a response from either NSW RMS or Blacktown City Council, to see how much longer the community has to wait after being told that before that  by August 2016 we should have this improvement completed as advised by the previous NSW RMS officer.

 
 

Upgrades On Luxford Road, North Mount - Will We Get Our Pedestrian Crossing/Walkway At Westfield Mount Druitt Entrance?

A most of you know, I have been a strong advocate for road improvements on Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt for the last 2 years (and other roads as well). Luxford Road is a large circular road that can take you from Rooty Hill , through suburbs of Mount Druitt, Whalan, Tregear, Lethbridge Park, Shalvey, Bidwill and ending up up Plumpton/Oakhurst.

Here are possible pedestrian markings

If we become a silent community, nothing will be done! So creating noise, alarming stakeholders, making sure they get paid their money's worth is extremely important within our community. Some people advocate by contacting stake holders directly talking to them and/or writing to them. Blogging is my way of reaching out to the right people, that listen, learn, react and speak for, if they find it important to do so. They will then respond in their own time as some items of improvements may take time.
 
 
So it appears that we may get our pedestrian crossing at the eastern entrance of Westfield Mount Druitt! This has been the main focus for improvements has been and the greater feedback I have received from community members. That's why I took it on board!


Work has commenced as from 18th of this month, until completion.

 

The Extension Of Traffic Light Pedestrian Access/walkway Needs Westfield Sign To Be Clearly Moved!

So now we have the acceptance and approval from NSW Roads And Maritime Services (NSW RMS), of the new pedestrian walkway on the traffic light at Luxford Road, entrance to Westfield Mount Druitt, we will need a further improvement to be made.

Here, we will require Council Officers of Blacktown City Council, Access Committee of the same,  NSW State Member of Mount Druitt and other relevant stake holders will need to ensure that the Westfield North Mount Druitt is moved and a proper pedestrian access/walkway is provided. Furthermore a street light may have to be moved allowing proper access for pedestrians to walk straight through from the new  'Work-In-Progress' pedestrian access straight to the entrance of Westfield North Mount Druitt.

Pedestrians do not want to walk on access roads, whilst shoppers are parking cars, so a vehicle-free pedestrian access/walkway will be required to provide a healthier and safer pedestrian/shopper community.

You will understand what is being described her to happen so that stake holders only work on stage to stage.

Click for the NSW RMS Approval For Mount Druitt Pedestrian Access

Blacktown City Council Must Incorporate More Pederstrian Access To Reduce Road Safety Issues - as part of ITMP!

Whilst increasing roads and road maintenance might a major part of Blacktown City Council's traffic management area, review Blackspot areas in relation to pedestrian safety in current traffic light and heavy traffic intersections within the Local Government Area. 

Thus, we now require for this vital policy to be implemented ensure dangerous intersections are well protecting pedestrians in  Blacktown City Council's Integrated Transport Management Plan 2013.
Click here for previous blog

I have another few "Blackspot areas" in Mount Druitt that I will raise at a later date. If you have one let us know!

So Blacktown City Council Now Needs To Go Through Decision Process For New Pedestrian Access/ Phase Walkway, Mount Duitt...

We refer to the approved NSW RMS (NSW Roads And Maritime Services) new pedestrian walkway/ phase way for the traffic lights outside of Westfield Mount Druitt on Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt.

As a 'Ping Pong Ball' goes from one side of the table, to the other, it moves  back and forth until someone wins the point. So far this is what has been happening: it was referred to Blacktown City Council and  left on the backburner dues to potential issues with 'Who's paying for a tree to cut down'? (Between NSW RMS and Blacktown City Council). Now it is back in the side of the Blacktown City Council to be voted on pending which financial year the  improvement can be done.

Now, I always respect Council Officers that I speak too and when one of them advised we haven't received letter from NSW RMS or my email of 28th August 2015 (last published blog copy), that doesn't worry myself  myself as who ever goes through the General Email must refer it to the relevant Department Head and it is up to the Department Head to release the information.  Yet there was another pro-active Council Officer (Engineer) that took action straight away, even though no email was sighted as yet, whilst discussing other issues in a great customer service manner.

So what was my cause of action to contact Council? It was to see what their version of Fast- tracking this improvement was in longest amount of time. I have been told that it  has to be voted on and it depends when it gets voted on and which financial year work could progress. Now the  rough estimate for the time being being is from 1 year to years! The finance will be provided for the project will be shared by or provided by NSW RMS and Council as it is a 'Council owned road'. Council will have to pay for the removal of a tree! What helped was checking the blog published on 28th August 2015, in the internet.

So now I am waiting for the fast-tracking time as per letter from NSW RMS 'Council will fast-track this project to improve pedestrian safety at this site.'

The only thing that is worrying myself is that it is also said by officers from both Council and NSW RMS, 'We have to see how this affects the flow of traffic!' Obviously the flow of traffic will be the same as the traffic lights will automatically change color  as it does now, it is the timing that that will be to be  delayed, when on 'red' color!

NSW RMS Approves Pedestrian Phase Walkway At Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt - Now Up To Council To Make Requests!

  Well, with about 20 months of advocating and lobbying for a phase walkway at Luxford Road, North Mount from myself (blog after blog), and finding another North Mount Druitt community improvement advocate Richard (as I found out recently), support from the retired NSW Member for Mount Druitt, Richard Amery (last year), no support from Westfield Mount Druitt, Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson, who has raised this issue at Blacktown City Council and I'm pretty sure the Mayor from Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali ( who has been keeping an eye on these blogs), there will be a major safety improvement at the exit entrance of Westfield, North Mount Druitt, where a pedestrian walk way will be implemented in due time, on the eastern side of the traffic lights, appoved by NSW Roads and Maritime Services. 

This in itself, is a big win for the community, the community that jay walks across and doesn't understand the danger they have placed themselves into.This hasn't happened since the traffic lights were installed decades ago.

This is the result of the initial inquiry made to NSW Roads and Maritime Services website and I present this letter for viewing for all the community:
 
 Click here for NSW RMS Letter Fasting Track This Project

Click here for previous blog 

Now it is up to  to make a submission as all costings has been provided and they need to  seek funding as Luxford Road is a State Road.

Wet Reason Why Our Community Requires Walk Phase Way, Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt

We have left this issue with Blacktown City Council, to work on to provide improved community safety and are for the results to come through. This is for the pedestrian walk phase walk way to be included at the set of traffic lights, entrance to Westfield, Mount Druitt, at Luxford Road, Mount Druitt.

Actually, I thought the Management of Westfield Mount Druitt  would be so pleased to support this community improvement which leads to their entrance. They are so far remaining silent about it and maybe do not want to know about it. They obviously aren't sending emails to 'whyilovemountdruitt', to send their support. Heck that may indicate they don't support it! Who knows?

So, after being sent a letter from Blacktown City Council, towards the end of last year, Click here we are still waiting for a decision. I know things take time  but how much more time!

Here is muddy water on the medium strip from rain, which prevents people stepping on their as the rain hits this area. Pedestrians risk their lives on Luxford Road until problem is solved!



Click Here for previous blog

Nonsmoking Signs on All Bus Stops In And Around Mount Druitt!

A Similar Sign can be provided!

We have small non-smoking signs at Mount Druitt Bus Interchange and people still smoke.

Under the NSW Smoke Free Laws  the public is not permitted to smoke 4 metres from a bus stop, taxi stand and pedestrian access.

We have people smoking outside Westfield Mount Druitt Shops and there is no fines. It is just a sign to Keep NSW health happy!

Click here for Westfield Mount Druitt Smokers Issues! 

What Blacktown City Council needs to investigate is public non-smoking signs on all bus stops and the fines incurred if caught and also pedestrian phase ways and crossings in and around Mount Druitt and in all of Blacktown Local Government Areas. By doing this, it will comply to NSW Smoke-Free Laws.  A lot of people will have a healthier life and more smokers may become non-smokers: a fitter community!

We also need to have continual inspectors ensuring that smoking is not in relevant public areas. We will wait for Council's response!

Another Issue With The Pedestrian Phase Walk Way Required At North Mount Druitt....

Once a decision is made to hopefully provide a great benefit and improvement to community members of North Mount Druitt, then further improvements will have to be made, to provide easier foot path/way access to Westfield Mount Druitt Shops.

This is where a hard decision would have to be made by Westfield Mount Druitt guided by Blacktown City Council, for improvements to the community for walking to and from the shopping center in a straight line. 

This could be a long term goal for this to

eventuate butonce the Westfield sign is moved, giving proper clearance for important shoppers, pedestrians and community members to walk through in a straight line, with a special pedestrian pathway leading to and from the Coles entrance.

Westfield Mount Druitt Sign blocking Pedestrians

Taken from the median strip, you can see further reasons why the Westfield Mount sign needs to be removed 

Click here for previous blog

Another View Of The Pedestrian Phase Walk, Required Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt!

We have provided photos and now video evidence why a pedestrian phase walk is required at the traffic lights East, Luxford Road, North Mount.

Click here for video

Click here for previous blog 


What do you think?

Here Is Legally The Way To Walk Across Luxford Road North Mount Druitt, New Pedestrian Walk Phase Required!

As Blacktown City Council and NSW Road & Maritime Services take their time make an important decision for the North Mount Druitt community, we would like to show you what the current issue are. Here I am walking from Westfield Mount Druitt to Shennan Way via the Traffic light pedestrian phase walk at Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt, from south to north.

Click here to watch video

You also notice the conditions of the phase walk way on the Westfield Mount Druitt side!

Click here for previous blog 

Further Reasons Why Phase Walk Way Required At Luxford Road Mount - Unneccessary Fines!

Example of Jaywalking sign safety

I don't know how long the traffic lights have been installed at the Luxford Road North Mount Druitt entrance, most probably the last twenty years or so.

In that amount of time community members, as pedestrians, have been 'jaywalking' across the Eastern end of the traffic lights, possibly assuming it is safe to do so. Every day risks are being taken by these pedestrians because relevant authorities have not addressed this vital community issue.

Just 2 weeks ago police charged a married couple for walking across the Eastern side of the Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt traffic lights, the fine was $250.00 each. They were so distraught that they notified their mother, the lady that advised myself of this sad situation. Also, they immediately paid their fines. Their mother, like many community members, have been 'Jaywalking' all the time, unaware of any civil issues that could arise.These fines would have been unnecessary if appropriate improved action was taken by relevant stake holders.

Now my issue is if NSW RMS had approved the Phase Walk Way at the traffic lights,  (more than 2 weeks ago) community members would not be fined and if there are no 'Jaywalking Safety signs' like the pictured one above, then community members may start crossing at the West end of the traffic lights, although this may cause a delay to get to their destination.

I think signs should possibly, be immediately placed indicating that Blacktown City Council, is waiting for reports from NSW RMS for possible positive Phase Path Way being approved and improved within the area. 

Click here for NSW Police On Pedestrians 

 Click here on Australian Pedestrian Council 'Crossing the road!'

Click Here for Previous Blog 

Luxford Road Mount Druitt Phase Crossing - Being Considered By NSW RMS - General Manager, Blacktown City Council

Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson  (Ward 5), Blacktown City Council has been making enquiries from these published blogs regarding  the pedestrian phase way, on the Eastern side of Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt ( Exit entrance of Westfield Mount Druitt). "The ball is in the court of NSW RMS' to decide on the safety of the area for the community.

I'm sure that we'll also now get support from Ward 4 Councillors, Mayor Stephen Bali, Edmond Atalla and Isabelle White. Thanks to the General Manager, Kerry Robinson keeping the community up-to-date as this is an important part of the process, win lose or fail. If it fails, I will immediately commence a petition for the pedestrian phase way, to be submitted to Blacktown Council.

The reason why I feel that the support will come from the Mayor,  Stephen Bali is he is fought for the local pool to be re-opened, lives in Ward 4 and seems to be compassionate of the community having improvements or retainings essentials services and lives in Ward 4. 

The reason why I think Councillor Edmond Atalla, will support this is he has fight at least twice in the last 12 years or so for retaining Mount Druitt Hospital services, Mount Druitt Pool and i.s a strong contender to be elected Mount Druitt State Member and  also lives in Ward 4.

The reason why I think Councillor Isabella White will support this is because, she is young, learning how the community needs improvements, and listens to the community's needs, also lives in Ward 4.

Click here for Letter From General Manager, Blacktown City Council

Click here regarding previous blog 

The Root Of The Problem For NSW RMS Phase Walkway Decision, Luxford Road, Mount Druitt - To Become A Positive Is..... A Tree!

So I am learning and learning more each day and I don't care if I turn 100 years and still learn (I'm already past the halfway mark).

With the 'Phase Walkway' proposal of improvements required at Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt, traffic light intersection  entrance to Westfield Mount Druitt, I now understand how Blacktown City Council cannot make a decision of this improvement by themselves. The reason being is Council owns about 80% of the roads, with Blacktown Local Government Area, which leaves the major arterial roads owned by NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

A Council spokesperson advised, 'That the traffic lights mentioned were approved on the old laws that only required one pedestrians Phase Walkway on the Western side of the major arterial road. In these days, it was most likely the area was low density housing. Since then, the North Mount Druitt area has changed to median housing developments.

At the same time, the population of pedestrians using pathways and crossing roads has increased, originally there may have been a need to place a 'Phase Walkway' on the western side of the major arterial road and  they used it to crossover to and from Westfield Mount Druitt.

New traffic light laws since has been introduced - for Phase walking to be implemented and constructed on all directions of the intersection. This new law does not cover previously constructed   existing traffic lights (old law).

So the number one problem to be fixed is new laws do not cover old laws which to my understanding doesn't make sense. Mind you I'm not legally minded person!

The other root cause to this improvement is there is a tree in the way of the Phase Walkway, and it has to be removed. The costs to cut down tree are too much for NSW RMS to consider. Yet, if the new laws were to have overtaken the old laws, then maybe the process may not have been left to  this current stalemate situation

I'm not  by any means a 'legal authority' but if laws change, then they should change so it covers existing infrastructure.

Where I am standing is directing the direction where the Phase would be placed missing the tree (on the left handside)

 This is on the Northern side of

Luxford Road, you can see how  the 'Phase Walkway' would not interfere or be in the way of the tree, (on the left hand side).




 We will seek RMS to reconsider their decision, through Transport Officers of Blacktown City Council who are also lobbying for this most improvement improvement. Maybe Councillors at least, from Ward 4 would offer their support and the Member for Mount Druitt Mr. Richard Amery as well. We will need as much support as we can get!

Click here for previous blog

Luxford Road, Mount Druitt Traffic Light Upgrade - I Got It Wrong! Not a Pedestrian Crossing required A Pedestrian Walk Phase!

The famous saying that we are all humans and  no one is perfect, that I agree. Especially with me! I am sort of learning this voluntarily work for the community, by myself and hopefully getting results. It is  not hard as it it is all using e-mails and blogging to  get the message across. Something that once you are taught, you can reach the outside world through the world wide web.

This work is not to be done with hatred  but for love and respect for the community. It is not much labor intensive  but it is rewarding when  improvements are bring made and  things are being done. The wider community may not realise what is being done in the back scenes, until one day they find this website and discover what is happening.

So what does this all mean, is that  I got it wrong that we needed a pedestrian crossing on the east part of the current traffic lights, on Eastern side of Luxford Road North of Mount Druitt (entrance to Westfield Mount Druitt). It is called a 'Pedestrian Walk Phase'. So I am human!

I received  from the Senior Traffic Management Officer, from Blacktown City Council Click Here For Senior Traffic Management Officers Letter of Response.  I contacted him straight away and apologised for my wrong request. I remember when I was just a children we used to call them pedestrian crossings, terminologies  have changed with the modern world. He was  so polite, that he agreed that a 'Pedestrian Walk Phase' is require.

The only hiccup maybe is that the NSW Roads and Maritime Services may say it will delay traffic. My question is if it delays traffic and promotes accidents that have a delayed life how would they feel with their decision. There are a lot of community members that are day to day risking their lives crossing this road. Since there has been accidents there before, preventive measures must be used to prevent potential loss of life and/or extreme health issues.

Especially, if it was me that was involved in an accident, that would be shocking!

Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrian Walk Phase

Click Here For Original Blog On Pedestrian Required At Luxford Road Mount Druitt