Works planned to make Cottesloe streets safer after failing design check

Raised platforms and pedestrian crossings are among measures proposed to make Cottesloe’s streets safer. Community feedback is being sought on traffic calming treatments along Broome and Marmion streets between Forrest and Grant streets. The Town of Cottesloe has been working with Main Roads WA to turn them into “healthy streets” since 2022. Broome and Marmion streets were selected because they are mainly in a residential area and their wide 40m road reservations provide space for a variety of options. The Cottesloe Foreshore Redevelopment Project is also expected to draw more traffic to the area, and it is hoped the works will discourage rat-running. Traffic data shows between 3500 and 4000 vehicles use Broome Street a day, and between 1500 and 1800 vehicles use Marmion Street a day. Residents have complained to the town about speeding in the area, with a 2023 design check saying the long straight sections of road encouraged speeding. The report said there had been no reported crashes involving people walking or cycling during 2017-2021 but that did not mean the area was safe. “Given the high motor vehicle speeds observed, it is likely that many people are choosing not to walk or cycle on these streets,” it said. “Both streets experience excessive speeding, contributing to an unsafe walking and cycling environment and making it difficult for people to cross and get to where they want to go.” These and other issues led to the design check giving both streets a fail mark. The checks rate streets with a score up to 100. If a street scores 60, it is considered to be meeting most people’s basic needs. The scores for Brooke and Marmion streets ranged from 23 to 31. Issues other than speeding included no protected bicycle lanes, seating or shade for people waiting to catch a bus, footpaths were too narrow or non-existent, and the town’s Norfolk Island pines did not provide continuous shade. Proposed works include raised safety platforms and plateaus at intersections along both streets, as well as pedestrian crossings and islands. There are no works proposed at the intersections with Napier and Grant streets. The project will be largely funded by Main Roads. The concept plan for the works is scheduled to be presented to the council in October. The survey is available online at the Town of Cottesloe engagement hub until Sunday, September 29.