Rae Street is a residential street in the Local Area Place Making (LAPM) precinct of Scotchmer.
LAPM review
Council conducted a LAPM review of the Scotchmer precinct in 2018, with the final report delivered in early 2019. The LAPM review identified multiple issues or problems on Rae Street.
Protection from through traffic
Rae Street is protected from through traffic by barriers installed at two intersections, at Holden Street and Church Street. These barriers encourage through traffic to remain on declared arterials.
Intersection at Holden Street
At Holden Street, a median barrier prevents drivers from continuing south down Rae Street, if they are arriving from the west or north.
Intersection at Church Street
At Church Street, a barrier prevents drivers from continuing north up Rae Street.
Safety for people walking
A good news story is that in June 2020 Council added pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Rae and Scotchmer Streets. This treatment was approved on 5th March 2019 as part of the LAPM 3 (Scotchmer) package.
30 km/h speed limits
An even better treatment would be to designate the whole neighbourhood as a 30 km/h superblock. 30 km/h is a safer speed for all road users, and is supported by Safe System, the core of Victoria’s and Australia’s road safety strategies.
Even better again would be to filter out through traffic by closing Rae Street between the Capital City Trail and Holden Street. This would also increase safety for people using the Capital City Trail. Access to properties would still be retained for local residents by entering from Scotchmer Street.
How you can help
You can help by appearing on the Streets Alive Yarra website as a champion for your local street, neighbourhood, or school.