His comments came at a workshop on Monday where councillors agreed to revisit a decision to remove three pedestrian crossings in Goulburn.

They were removed from Union, Bourke and Verner Streets on Thursday, October 30 following a traffic committee recommendation.

Council subsequently endorsed the decision.

It was partly based on Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) advice to the committee that pedestrian crossings posed an “increased risk” to people who stepped out in front of vehicles.

But on Monday, councillors heard that the RMS asked Council to review their decision following representations from Pedestrian Council of Australia chair, Harold Scruby.

Mr Scruby last week described the move as “an absolute disgrace.”

The RMS now wants Council to reinstate the crossings. If it doesn’t, it’s asking Council to consider constructing extended blisters, refuge islands or ‘barber’s poles’ to slow traffic.

Cr Kettle was not impressed.

“I find it quite concerning that on advice from the RMS we acted and now it has back flipped,” he said.

“I’ll be taking it up with the Roads Minister because I find it completely unacceptable.”

The mayor wrote to Minister Duncan Gay yesterday.

Council’s engineering services manager Ian Aldridge met with RMS officers last Friday following Mr Scruby’s representations.

The crossings’ removal has sparked backlash from the Goulburn North Public School P&C, the Catholic parish and general community.

Cr Kettle said this time the community would be consulted before a decision came back to Council.

Nevertheless, he’s still not convinced pedestrian crossings are the safest option.

“This has to come back to Council but my preferred position is not to reinstate the crossings but to take the original position, that is, extended blisters, refuge islands and greater signage,” he said.

The matter prompted plenty of discussion.

Cr Andrew Banfield stood by his original decision to remove the crossings, saying the refuges were a much safer option.

He said he observed driver and pedestrian behaviour following 10am Mass at Sts Peter and Paul’s Cathedral last Sunday. It included a near “rear ender” at the former crossing on Bourke St, a car stopping where the crossing used to be while another passed it and went straight through.

“I saw four incidents that could have been much worse,” Cr Banfield said.

“So if you’re going to succumb to peer pressure, at least move the crossings further down the streets…You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t but I stand by the decision because it puts the onus back on pedestrians.”

Cr Margaret O’Neill tabled a letter from parish priest Fr Dermid McDermott opposing the removal.

She said the area was particularly congested last week following a funeral which 500 people attended.

“The bottom line is that those crossings are there for pedestrians, not just children,” Cr O’Neill said.

“I travel on the (Crescent School) bus every day and I think something dreadful will also happen at North Goulburn if we don’t do something there.”

She freely admitted she hadn’t read the traffic committee report properly before making the decision but agreed with the RMS that the crossings should be reinstated with additional signage.

Cr Robin Saville concurred, but with a raised refuge to slow traffic.

The workshops are not decision making forums. General manager Warwick Bennett will draft a report asking councillors for a rethink and including options.

He will also investigate whether a rescission motion is needed to bring the matter before Council a second time.