Instead it will opt for a combination of refuge islands, warning signs, flashing lights and possibly a roundabout to address concerns.

Cr Margaret O’Neill, who previously opposed Council’s decision to remove pedestrian crossings at Union, Bourke and Verner Streets, said she’d changed her mind.

“I sought advice, went to the head of the NRMA and they did some homework for me,” she said.

“…Things have changed and I’ll be the first to say let’s move forward.”

The crossings’ removal sparked backlash from Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral parishioners, parish priest Fr Dermot McDermott and Goulburn North Public School’s P&C.

It prompted a re-think and further consultation.

But after a comprehensive report to Tuesday’s meeting, councillors decided: * To install pedestrian refuge islands and warning signs at Bourke St (intersection with Verner St); * Not to reinstate the crossing at Verner St (Bourke St intersection); and * To have enhanced pedestrian warning signs and traffic lights installed at the Union/Lagoon St intersection and to install pedestrian crossing capabilities.

This would include “barbers poles” and painted blister and island edges.

The Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) will also be requested to immediately install flashing lights at the Union St school zone.

In addition, as part of next year’s budget Council will consider building a roundabout at the Bourke and Verner St intersection, incorporating traffic calming measures and pedestrian refuges. Its estimated cost is $370,000.

A report by engineering services manager Ian Aldridge stated that Verner St did not meet RMS technical criteria for a zebra crossing, particularly regarding pedestrian volumes. The Service also advised against having crossings where there were two lanes running in the same direction. Mr Aldridge also argued that other parts of Verner St, especially near Auburn St, had higher pedestrian numbers.

He believed the same applied to Bourke St.

“This crossing is considered dangerous to pedestrians due to the speed of traffic along the road and the low expectation that drivers have of pedestrian crossings and of having to give way to people on a busy through road,” he stated.

Fr McDermott scoffed at this logic in a submission.

“It appears to me…there has been a subtle change in the onus of proof – a pedestrian bears the first responsibility for an accident, not a driver. What a bonus for insurers!” The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association also opposed the removal in the “interests of safety of the elderly and disabled community.”

“As advocates for the health of the Goulburn community we are concerned that three pedestrian crossings (zebra) are being replaced with refuge type crossings,” secretary, Jane Cotter wrote.

“As health professionals we advise our patients who are infirm, elderly, children or disabled to seek these zebra type crossings in preference to the refuge type as traffic must give way to them.”

Others were more strident.

“Stupid idea,” a person wrote on Facebook.

“Maybe there should be harsher penalties for not stopping at crossings.”

“Bloody ridiculous! Especially the one in Bourke St near the church,” wrote another.

“How are people, especially the elderly, going to cross the road from Church?” The entire debate started after a parishioner wrote to Council asking simply for enhanced pedestrian warnings on Bourke St.

Mr Aldridge has since contacted this person, who he said was opposed to the crossing’s removal.

As part of consultation councillors earlier requested, Mr Aldridge also phoned Goulburn North Public School’s principal, who he said did not object. He also sourced Facebook comments.

Cr Robin Saville, who supported the changes, encouraged the traffic committee “to consult a little wider next time.”