Published on Wednesday, 16 November 2022 at 2:00:00 PM

The City of Vincent will ask Main Roads WA to release a more detailed concept for the future of Charles Street that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists and further addresses public transport options.

Main Roads is consulting on a long-term transport proposal that includes road widening along Charles Street between Wiluna Avenue and Carr Street.

Its proposal would see major intersections transformed into ‘duck and dives’ and land acquisitions to allow for a median strip down the centre of Charles Street.

The project is not funded and there is no delivery or construction timeline.

The City is making a submission to Main Roads requesting the release of additional information - including the planning study document - to better inform the community.

Supporting documents such as information on the proposed land acquisitions, modelling showing the impact on nearby traffic and a cost-benefit analysis of different options should also be released.

A number of recommendations have been made by the City in its submission, including requests that Main Roads:

• Revises the proposal to holistically address alternative modes of transport such as walking or cycling, rather than making cars a priority.
• Considers and costs mid-tier public transport options such as light rail or trackless trams and presents these options to the community.
• Addresses the City’s concerns about the proposal, before doing more detailed public consultation with the City and the local community.
• Addresses concerns about the loss of heritage-listed buildings and mature trees as part of proposed land acquisitions.
• Releases detailed modelling of pedestrian, cyclist and local traffic movements and changes the proposal to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
• Undertakes a comprehensive urban design study that includes noise and other construction impacts, and a business case for several options.
• Undertakes modelling and an urban design study showing the effect on access to schools and public open space in Vincent.
• Articulates the implications of the study and models the impact it would have on east-west travel.

The State Government’s Perth & Peel @ 3.5 million framework identifies Charles Street as transitioning from a major arterial road into an urban corridor of high-density, high-amenity, multi-modal streets.

Charles Street should also accommodate high-frequency public transit, which should be given a high level of priority over private vehicles whenever possible.

The current Charles Street planning study does not align with this vision.

“We have heard from Vincent residents on this issue, including residents living on Charles Street, those living in North Perth and in our surrounding suburbs, and they have raised significant concerns with us on this proposal,” said Mayor Emma Cole.

“Charles Street cuts through the suburb of North Perth. It’s important that residential and local amenity is balanced with the movement of people through the City of Vincent. 

“We are asking Main Roads WA to please consider the residents who live on Charles Street as well as the many residents who need to cross Charles Street daily for school, to access our parks, Beatty Park or to shop and enjoy our high streets.

“We would like to see a broader planning study that includes more options. The future of Charles Street should be part of the broader transport strategy for the metropolitan area, with public transport being a key consideration in managing private vehicle volumes.

“We support the vision in Perth and Peel at 3.5 million which would see Charles Street transition from a major arterial road into an urban corridor with high-density, high-amenity and multi-modal transport.

“We’ve made some great progress recently, through the support of Hon. John Carey MLA, Member for Perth, in achieving signalised pedestrian crossings near Selkirk and Albert Streets to help local school kids cross Charles Street safely.

“I encourage residents and visitors to have a look at the proposal and provide their feedback. I appreciate that the consultation period has been extended to 31 December, to allow more time for community input.”

The City’s Accessible City Strategy 2020 – 2030 provides strategic direction for the future of Vincent’s transport network.

The strategy aims to make public transport connections, improve walking and cycling routes, reduce carbon emissions and make Vincent more attractive for pedestrians.

The City will consult with its Design Review Panel before sending its submission to Main Roads.

Community members can provide feedback on the planning study until 31 December.

To have your say, visit here.

View the City's submission here.

Read the report on the submission that was considered by Council at the 15 November Ordinary Council Meeting on the agendas and minutes page.

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