SHANE Rattenbury has announced the start of a study and community consultation process to identify traffic issues on Copland Drive in Evatt, Melba and Spence.

“Residents and road users of Copland Drive have raised concerns with me about traffic issues such as speeding and rat running,” Shane said.

“There are not only many residential properties along Copland drive, but also the Melba Copland Secondary School, St Monica’s Primary School, the BMX club and a number of ovals and recreational spaces, so it is quite a busy area.

“I am keen to find out how the community would like traffic in the area to be managed in order to improve safety for road users and those accessing the surrounding public areas.

“Consulting engineers AECOM have been engaged to undertake a study to examine traffic conditions and safety on Copland Drive and its surrounding streets as part of ongoing efforts to reduce speeding and safety problems in residential neighbourhoods across Canberra.

“Neighbourhoods should be safe and accommodating places for the people who live or visit, and sometimes we need to take measures to help protect them.

“Members of the community are invited to attend information sessions in October and November to learn about the study, meet the study team and discuss any traffic issues.

“Roads ACT will deliver newsletters and hardcopy surveys to households in the study area. The survey will also be available at the Belconnen Library and online via the ACT Government’s Time to Talk website at www.timetotalk.act.gov.au

“Following this first stage of feedback, further consultation will take place early next year on any potential options for improvement,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.