mmg.com.au

Murray Shire councillor Ian Moon will pursue the installation of traffic lights at the two roundabouts closest to the Echuca-Moama bridge, despite the idea being dismissed by the NSW Roads and Maritime services.

Cr Moon first suggested the idea of traffic lights, to be situated at both roundabouts in Echuca and Moama closest to the bridge and which would operate only at peak traffic times, at a council meeting in January.

The issue was tabled at Murray Shires council meeting last Tuesday, in which director of engineering services Leigh Robins said the option was not favoured by RMS due to the delays resulting from queuing and the time required to clear the one-way flow of traffic.

‘‘It will also impact on the businesses, particularly where there’s angled parking and you couldn’t get back out again,’’ Mr Robins said.

However, Cr Moon said the response from the RMS was against its policy as there were ‘‘quite a few’’ roundabouts with traffic lights in Newcastle.

‘‘Contrary to popular opinion, lights do not make traffic bank up at roundabouts when those situations occur (when lights are operating),’’ Cr Moon said.

‘‘That is not the case at all and VicRoads confirmed that with me.

‘‘Traffic flows better with lights at high volumes.’’

Cr Moon said he would pursue the issue and had already approached VicRoads in Bendigo and police in Echuca and Moama to discuss the issue.

‘‘It’s not an uncommon thing, it’s an idea that needs to be presented, and looked at,’’ he said.

Cr Moon also indicated he would raise the issue with RMS at the next Murray Shire traffic committee meeting.