IN just seven months, the Hastings has recorded at least three deaths and a number of near misses on our roads.
The year began in tragedy for the area when two teenage boys were killed after they were hit by a four-wheel-drive on the Oxley Highway on New Year’s Day.
The town of Port Macquarie was left in shock recently after the death of 48-year old pedestrian, Annalise Eyles who was hit on Hill Street.
In between these two incidences there have been a number of near misses involving, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, the safety of a number of roads has been questioned by concerned residents and business people alike, including Lake Road, Hastings River Drive, Clifton Drive and now Hill Street.
Mark Cornish was lucky to escape with his life when he was hit by a car near the corner of Lord and Gordon streets while cycling early one January morning.
In March, concerned resident Barbara Garrett predicted there would be a pedestrian death along Gordon Street sooner rather than later if nothing was done.
A little more than a month later a teenage pedestrian was hit along the stretch of road and suffered a fractured skull and a broken leg.
He needed to be flown to John Hunter Hospital.
Despite pleas from Mrs Garrett and other residents Port-Macquarie Hastings Council opted not to spend the estimated $70,000 on traffic lights and said the existing pedestrian refuge was deemed adequate.
A furious Mrs Garrett questioned if council understood the value of a life.
She said protecting lives should be considered a higher priority.
More in Wednesday’s Port News.