The ACT government has announced a new pedestrian crossing on Canberra Avenue after two St Edmund's College students were struck by an allegedly stolen car while walking to school on March 28. The teenagers, Aiden Stuart and Aaron Way, survived the incident but remain injured. Aaron spent 13 days in hospital and still cannot bend his fingers, with a scar along his forearm.
The proposed crossing, near Burke Crescent, requires approval from the National Capital Authority before construction can begin. It is designed to stop traffic only when pedestrians need to cross, aiming to improve safety on one of Canberra's busiest arterial roads.
Joshua Way, father of Aaron, praised the announcement as a 'really good starting point' but noted the road has always been dangerous due to high speeds from a nearby roundabout. Aiden's triplet brother, Bryce, described crossing Canberra Avenue each morning as 'pretty scary' and time-consuming.
College principal Tim Cleary called the crossing 'overdue' and said it could not have prevented the crash but would address a constant source of anxiety for parents. Across the road, St Clare's College principal Dr Ann Cleary welcomed the crossing but urged further measures, including a 40 km/h speed limit outside the school during school hours.
ACT Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne stated that the crossing would have the biggest impact on pedestrian safety without compromising traffic flow. However, Living Streets Canberra convenor Gill King argued for reduced speed limits, citing examples like Pennant Hills Road in Sydney, and emphasized the need for pedestrian-priority crossings if speeds are not lowered.
