Fremantle Residents Demand Safer Crossings on Dangerous Hampton Road
Hampton Road in Fremantle has been labeled a dangerous driving hotspot by local residents, prompting nearly 700 people to petition the council for immediate safety improvements. The petition, presented to Fremantle Council, calls for enhanced protections for pedestrians and cyclists along the busy stretch between High Street and Rockingham Road.
Residents Describe Road as 'Divisive Barrier'
Resident Julie Murphy, speaking on behalf of petition organizer Di McGinn, described Hampton Road as a "divisive barrier" rather than a local road during the March 25 council meeting. "Cars and trucks dominate while pedestrians are left exposed and unprotected," Murphy told councillors. "People are forced to wait for gaps in continuous traffic or become stranded on narrow median refuges, trying to judge whether they can cross safely."
Murphy emphasized that this situation is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including children, older people, and individuals with reduced mobility. The petition specifically requests more pedestrian crossing points, wider median refuges, fully protected crossings, and roadway design changes to discourage container trucks.
Alarming Crash Statistics Prompt Urgent Calls
The petition highlights several "black spot" intersections along Hampton Road that have resulted in 150 crashes and an 88 percent increase in casualty crashes from 2020 to 2024. Despite Main Roads WA reducing the speed limit from 60km/h to 50km/h in 2022 due to increased pedestrian activity, Murphy stated this has had minimal effect on driver behavior.
"The design of the road still encourages speeding, aggression, and unsafe driver behavior," Murphy explained. "The road environment continues to favour vehicle movement over pedestrian safety." Murphy, a member of the Friends of Hampton and Ord community group, noted that actual traffic speeds continue to exceed the reduced limit, with high traffic volumes and heavy vehicles adding further risk.
Advocating for 'Safe System' Principles
Murphy urged Main Roads WA and Austroads to apply "safe system" principles when considering pedestrian crossings, noting that pedestrian crash severity increases significantly at speeds above 30km/h. While an ideal long-term solution would involve signalized pedestrian crossings on raised platforms, Murphy acknowledged these are "a long way off."
"There are lower cost improvements that could be made now to increase pedestrian priority and safety, particularly near key crossing points like the school crossing," Murphy suggested. "The city has already shown this can be done on Ord Street several years ago. We urge council to fund short-term safety improvements that align with best practices and respond to the very strong community support shown through this petition."
Council Response and Future Outlook
Deputy Mayor Fedele Camarda thanked the speakers and the Friends of Hampton and Ord group for their efforts in organizing the petition. "I look forward to some positive change along the journey to see Hampton Road north become a much safer area to cross for pedestrians and for cyclists," Camarda stated.
The petition underscores Hampton Road's role as a vital local corridor connecting homes, schools, shops, and public transport, while highlighting the urgent need for safety enhancements to prevent crashes and save lives. Residents argue that these changes are not merely about convenience but are essential for community safety.
