At 5.30am last Thursday, a truck crashed into a private residence’s front fence, with owners John and Paula Casey asleep at the time and being woken by a loud bang.
It will be alleged the truck driver fled the scene and was caught at the Logic Centre at midday getting two tyres replaced.
The alleged 24-year-old driver from South Australia has been charged with failing to stop after an accident.
Rutherglen Police Sergeant Mick Savage was appreciative of the businesses which provided CCTV footage, enabling police to identify the truck.
Long time leading advocate for changes relating to safety in the town’s main street, Roberta Horne is totally against people in authority looking solely at fatality numbers to justify street change.
“They should be considering the potential of crashes, injuries, deaths and disruption to businesses, and the fear people have with Main Street,” she said.
“Thank God, no-one was injured or even worse in this latest crash.”
Mr Casey is well aware of the long running battle to have increased safety in Main Street. “Something needs to be done,” he said.
Indigo Community Voice President Herb Ellerbock has conveyed the seriousness of the subject to The Free Press: ‘It is only a matter of time before more deaths occur.”
The Free Press has again sought comment from the Victorian State Government about the unused $1.3 million on essential safety-calming measures – already formally suggested by locals.
The so-called $1.3 million ‘commitment’ pales into insignificance when lined up against the multi billion dollar projects in Melbourne.
Minister’s response
A reply received from the Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes’ office, specifically from her electorate officer Jada Cannizzo, states: “Very glad to hear no one was injured but we understand your ongoing frustration.
“I am just checking with the Minister’s office, but the latest information I have on Rutherglen Main Street is that funds have been released and that council and DTP are working together to come up with a solution for safety improvements.
“I will endeavour to get you a more comprehensive update this week and again very sorry for the ongoing delays.
“This project is one of Jaclyn’s top priorities and we thank you for your ongoing interest in this issue.”
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