Vic: Govt hastens slowly to fix fatal crossing

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2004
Vic: Govt hastens slowly to fix fatal crossing

The Victorian government says it will reconsider the timetable for improvements at
a level crossing where three people were killed yesterday.

But the scale of the works required means locals will have to wait until at least next
year's budget before the project can go ahead.

Yesterday's accident killed 51-year-old ROLANDO ANTONIO, his wife LILLA and another
woman whose name hasn't been released.

Their car and a V/Line express train collided on a level crossing at Furlong Road, St Albans.

Community and business leaders have long complained about congestion and accidents
at the crossing.

Transport Minister PETER BATCHELOR says he'll now reconsider the timetable for planned
safety upgrades to three level crossings in the area.

But Mr BATCHELOR's dismissed much of what locals have been saying about the crossing
as not factual -- although he's acknowledged that congestion is a safety issue.

Meanwhile, a safety trial at a suburban level crossing in the city's north-east will
monitor how Melbourne drivers flout road rules.

AAP RTV nl/dk/gjr/rp

KEYWORD: CROSSING (MELBOURNE)

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