Member for Castle Hill Michael Richardson has asked the Government in Parliament to agree to “a workable plan” to reduce exit times from West Pennant Hills Valley during the morning peak.

“It can take up to 10 minutes to get to turn right from Eaton Road onto Pennant Hills Road and the M2 in the morning – and that’s on top of the 10-minute crawl along Aiken and Oakes Roads,” Mr Richardson said.

“But the RTA’s primary concern is Pennant Hills Road so in the past it has consistently said No to any changes that would benefit valley residents.

“The last meeting of the local traffic committee, which includes an RTA representative, agreed something had to be done – I suggested two lanes turning right out of Eaton Road while others supported a general right turn lane out of Aiken Road.

“A better way of getting out of the valley has to be found.”

Mr Richardson said he was disappointed Council had been so negative about his suggestion of two right turn lanes out of Eaton Road but the pressure was now on both organisations – Council and the RTA – to deliver a solution.

“Originally Merelynne Avenue was supposed to connect to the M2, which is why it’s a dual carriageway,” he said.

“It must be the only dead end dual carriageway in the world.

“It’s unlikely that connection will ever be made, but current arrangements are not satisfactory.

“The traffic’s so bad residents at the top end of  Karloon Road tell me they can’t even get out of their driveways before 9.00 am.”

Mr Richardson said that if the right turn out of Aiken Road onto Pennant Hills Road – currently buses only – were opened to general traffic the RTA would have to change the phasing of the lights at Copeland Road.

“It’s possible but I don’t know whether they’ll agree to it. But I am certain a solution can be found,” he said.