State MPs call for flashing lights at fatal pedestrian crossing

SAFETY: Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, Gary Rosevear and Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp has called for flashing lights to be installed at a suburban pedestrian crossing where a woman was hit and killed late last year.

The Labor MP has called for lights to be installed at the pedestrian crossing on Brunker Road, near Mandalong Road, in Adamstown.

Adamstown woman Raani Bennett was hit and killed at the crossing in November while walking her dog during school hours one afternoon.

Her death sparked calls from local residents and workers for a review of the crossing, which one nearby business manager said was "notoriously dangerous".

Mr Crakanthorp, who earlier this week showed the crossing to Labor's spokesperson for active transport, Jo Halyen, said he been contacted by "many, many people" expressing concerns.

"It is extremely dangerous," he said. "People are very concerned there will be a very serious incident there.

"Brunker Road is renowned for its difficulties, I've had a car run into me there myself, and you've got children at nearby schools whose safety are at risk.

LOOK FIRST: The trio at the Brunker Road crossing. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

"We need flashing lights there to make it a lot safer."

City of Newcastle upgraded the crossing early last year, but it is still viewed as dangerous by many locals.

Long-time Adamstown resident Gary Rosevear said he had witnessed a number of near-misses over the years.

"It's a very, very busy road," he said.

"There's new unit developments going in all the way along [Brunker Road], plus there's a large infants school very close, that need to use the crossing.

"There are lollipop ladies there but I think flashing lights would add to the safety. Drivers who are not used to the area can just go through and not be aware."

The crossing has a supervisor each morning and afternoon on school days and the road has a 40 km/h speed limit during those times.

Ms Haylen, who has been visiting towns around the state promoting a school safety survey, said the state government should back the flashing lights proposal.

"When our kids can walk to school, everyone wins. It's better for our environment, it's cheaper for families and most of all it takes congestion from our roads," she said.

"We have to make sure our kids can do that safely."