DANGEROUS LEVEL CROSSINGS IGNORED BY LIBERALS – CLAYTON ROAD OFF THE LIST

Posted on 11. Oct, 2011 by admin in News

The Baillieu Liberal National Coalition has placed the safety of Victorian commuters at risk by failing to upgrade Melbourne’s busiest and most dangerous level crossings, Shadow Public Transport Minister Fiona Richardson said today.

“The two most dangerous level crossings in St Albans have been completely ignored despite being ranked at number three and four on the Department of Transport’s (DOT) priority list due to multiple fatalities,” Ms Richardson said.

“The Baillieu Government promised to upgrade the St Albans level crossings prior to the last election, but has failed to provide one single cent to fix them.

“Of the 10 most dangerous level crossings in Melbourne, only two have been provided with planning money in the May Budget. The remaining $16.5 million of planning money is being spent on crossings in Liberal held seats ignoring the DOT independently ranked list.

“Adding insult to injury is the Liberal’s decision to upgrade the crossing on New Street in Brighton and the Dalvui Lane crossing in Transport Minister Terry Mulder’s own electorate.

“The New Streetlevel crossing in Brightonis ranked at number 223 on the Department’s list and the Dalvui Lane level crossing is ranked 394.”

Ms Richardson said the Department of Transport’s independent ranking list has now been deleted from the department’s website and the Baillieu Government has drafted its own list based on politics
rather than safety.

“This is straight up pork barrelling and is placing the safety of motorists and commuters at risk,” Ms Richardson said.

“While level crossing upgrades are vital, it is shameful not to upgrade the most urgently required level crossings assessed by the Department of Transport.”

Ms Richardson said ensuring the safety of Victorians should be the Baillieu Government’s priority ­– not doing favours for Liberal mates.

“The Baillieu Government has delayed works on the most dangerous level crossings because it appears Mr Mulder would prefer to invest in Liberal-held seats instead,” she said.

“This is a kick in the teeth for the thousands of motorists who wait at busier and more dangerous level crossings every day.

“The Baillieu Government’s decision making is clearly based on politics rather than safety of Victorians

“Instead of fixing the most dangerous and urgent level crossings, lives will continue to be put at risk as the Baillieu Government plays politics with this important transport issue.”

Please compare the Liberal priority list compared to the department’s priority list.