Randwick forum backs Searle Avenue parking trial and bus stop reviews

Randwick City Council’s Local Transport Forum on 9 June backed a 44 metre resident parking trial on Searle Avenue and flagged a string of transport changes across Randwick, Clovelly, Coogee and Matraville. The meeting also recorded requests for a bus stop closer to Randwick Light Rail, a review of Route 362, and new no-stopping restrictions on Boundary Street.

The forum recommended that a 44 metre resident parking zone, about six parking spaces, be trialled for six months on Searle Avenue. Councillor Martin asked when the signs would be installed, and officers said they expected the work crew to install them in about three weeks, once the signs were delivered.

Boundary Street in Clovelly is next in line for new restrictions. The forum backed mandatory 10 metre No Stopping signage on the south side of Boundary Street, 10 metres east and west of Campbell Street. A resident asked that the Australia Post box be considered in the layout, and Council said it would investigate.

The forum also noted that Council has already introduced a No Stopping zone on the northern side of Franklin Street, Matraville, just west of Larose Avenue. That restriction covers about 65 metres of kerb.

Bus access was another focus. Councillors asked for a review of the bus stop linking to Randwick Light Rail so it sits closer to the light rail stop, and for Transport to review the 362 bus service between Coogee and Bondi, including its frequency and days of operation.

The meeting also dealt with a temporary bus stop relocation at 71 Canberra Street, Randwick. The bus zone is to be moved from the frontage of 71 Canberra Street to the eastern side of Canberra Street between Bundock Lane and Rainbow Street while works continue.

Councillor Martin asked for an additional on-site inspection before any change, requested tree trimming at the temporary location to allow bus movements, and sought confirmation of how long the relocation would last. Council officers were asked to review the application and contact the applicant for further clarification.

The forum also recorded follow-up requests for pedestrian counter phasing at Belmore Road and Coogee Bay Road, and at Arden and Carr Street, Coogee. Councillor Martin also asked for a review of truck signage on Carrington Road, and a council officer provided information.

The preferred bus stop location at Canberra Street was also discussed. The minutes say it is to be retained at the frontage of 71-73 Canberra Street, Randwick, as per previous correspondence with TfNSW and Transdev and the approved DA driveway design. The Bundock Street location was not supported by Transdev or council engineers because it is not DDA compliant, and council engineers said the planned cycleway on Bundock Street was another reason not to support it.

For residents, the immediate changes are to parking and stopping rules on Searle Avenue, Boundary Street and Franklin Street, while bus users around Randwick Light Rail and Canberra Street are waiting on reviews that could alter stop locations and service arrangements.