In a dedicated effort to bolster public safety and mitigate damage to vital infrastructure, Baw Baw Shire Council will be initiating crossover inspections in urban areas starting July 2023.
Under Council’s Local Law it is mandatory for a suitable crossover – also referred to as driveway access points – to be installed wherever vehicles access private property from Council assets, including roadways and nature strips.
Initial investigations have found that numerous crossovers within the Baw Baw Shire, particularly in urban regions, fail to comply with regulations and are constructed using unsuitable materials. The usage of inadequate materials in crossovers compromises their ability to bear the weight of vehicles, leading to costly and hazardous damage to footpaths, nature strips, kerbing, and roadways. As a result, Council currently expends approximately $120,000 on safety works and avoidable damage repairs each year.
Throughout July, Council will undertake detailed inspections to identify non-compliant crossovers in urban areas. Following these investigations, owners of properties possessing non-compliant crossovers may receive notices requiring them to rectify their crossovers at their own expense.
“Reducing the number of non-compliant crossovers in urban areas will help to prevent costly and avoidable damage to community assets, and improve safety for pedestrians and drivers,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe. “If you are a new property owner or builder, it is important to make sure that your driveway access points comply with regulations to avoid future expense. If you are unsure whether your crossovers follow the rules, please reach out to our helpful Asset Protection team. They are happy to answer any questions and ensure your crossover is up to standard.”
