Call for sign at site of fatal 2005 accident

JOEL RITCHIE

KIAMA’S Mark Whalan wants a bollard placed in Terralong St to warn pedestrians to give way to traffic.

He said seven-year-old Shahid Hajher from Melbourne was killed in front of Kiama Courthouse after being struck by a four-wheel-drive vehicle on January 3, 2005.

Mr Whalan was a witness at the ensuing coronial inquest into the accident.

The accident sparked a national campaign by Shahid’s family to have bullbars banned in urban areas.

Mr Whalan’s main concern is that no pillar warning pedestrians to give way has been erected at the spot.

“Everywhere else along Terralong St has pillars to warn pedestrians,” he said.

“It’s caused some confusion as to whether people are even allowed to cross there.

“It personally bothers me that it has been three years since the accident and nothing has been done.”

Mr Whalan said he left a message with Kiama Council soon after the accident’s third anniversary, but he had had no response.

He also would like to see a plaque remembering Shahid at the site, although a council spoeskperson said “council would not presume to act on behalf of the deceased’s family”.

Erecting safety measures at the site of the accident could help prevent an accident in the future.

“My point is that an accident is something that can be avoided in the future, particularly for visitors to the town,” Mr Whalan said.

A spokesperson for Kiama Council said that the coroner’s report into the accident did not make any recommendations.

“Kiama Council was provided with a copy of the coroner’s report in relation to this very sad incident,” the spokesperson said.

“The report did not make any recommendations relating to the roadway infrastructure or facilities.

“Kiama Council is proactive in regard to road safety and is reviewing pedestrian signage on the bollards in the CBD with a view to making the signs more visible.”