Residents in Melbourne’s inner east are debating a proposal to permanently close a Camberwell Junction “rat run” road used by some drivers to avoid congestion. The move is described by some residents as a safety issue, with concerns that the shortcut increases the risk of a serious crash.
Across reporting outlets, parents and other community members express worry that closure is only a matter of time and that existing traffic patterns are hazardous. They argue that keeping the shortcut open exposes children and pedestrians to elevated danger.
At the same time, traders and local advocacy groups back an alternative approach rather than an outright, permanent shutdown. These groups argue for different traffic management measures, highlighting the impact that any closure could have on local businesses and access. The sources all note that the issue is creating tension within the local community, with residents split between safety concerns and the practical effects of changing traffic routes.
