On 15/04/2013 10:43 AM, Noel wrote:
>

> My experience with median strips is that they often have bevelled edges on each side. I have often seen fire, police and ambulance vehicles carefully crossing these median strips onto the 'wrong' side of the road.

>

> They are then able to carefully proceed 'bang road' with lights and siren operating past the obstructing stationary road traffic, until they reach a signalled intersection where they are able to resume the correct side of the road.

>

Yes - that would be a sensible compromise in High St. but it's not what is there, the kerb is square and quite high.
http://tdu.to/2129_HighSt_1Mar2013.JPG
Perhaps the good leaders of Darebin City Council wanted to make the meians 'urban assault vehicle proof'!
See: http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=7045 for the values underlying the plan.

If parking were banned opposite the central stops, then motor cars could pass the staionary trams, but parking is allowed - presumably to support the local shop keepers' preferences.
It all makes for a slow journey for allroad users- but that's probably what the City wanted.

There was supposed to be more works further north up High St, but there has been no further announcements - perhaps the process is being delayed by the emergency services concerns.

Tony: I'm always happy for any of my images to be used with acknowledgement.

Mal Rowe