New Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos, met with the Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, on Friday to discuss the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to remove 50 of Victoria’s worst level crossings.

Mr Staikos said the Labor Government will remove the level crossings at Centre Rd, Bentleigh, McKinnon Rd, McKinnon and North Rd, Ormond, to reduce congestion and improve road safety in the local area.

Mr Staikos and Ms Allan also inspected the pedestrian crossing upgrade works at Centre Rd which are now complete.

As part of the upgrade, electromagnetic latch gates with emergency exit buttons, extra signage and fencing have been installed at both sides of the crossing. This will improve safety by ensuring pedestrians cannot bypass the safety gates when trains are travelling through the rail crossing.

Under the Labor Government, travel is cheaper for Bentleigh commuters, with free trams in the Melbourne CBD and Zone 1+2 travel for the price of a Zone 1 ticket.
Mr Staikos and Ms Allan also discussed the Labor Government’s plan for 24-hour public transport on weekend, to help people get home safe.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos

“These level crossings divide our community, slow down traffic and put lives at risk.”

“I invited the Minister here so she could see first-hand why these dangerous and congested level crossings have to go.”

“The completed pedestrian crossing upgrade will improve public safety until the Centre Rd level crossing is removed.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport and Employment, Jacinta Allan

“Bentleigh has a strong voice in Nick Staikos. He’s working hard for locals and getting the job done.”