Financial cost adds to pain of Picton Rd

If the sheer human loss has not been convincing enough evidence of why Picton Rd should be dramatically upgraded, then try on this figure: $51 million, the "cost" to the community of 19 fatalities in 10 years.And that doesn't account for hundreds of other injuries that would put the true Picton Rd damage, in pure financial terms, in the vicinity of $70 million.The RTA contends other highways and roads are worse on the "severity" index.To that end, we have challenged it to tell us of another short stretch of road, in this case 27km, that has a worse record for fatalities.Encouragingly, the NSW Government, RTA and police are taking action after much publicity. No single course of action will reduce accidents. But a combination of road works, increased police patrols and education would certainly increase safety for all road users.And another thing ...Congratulations to all winners and nominees in the Crown St Mall Retail and Business Awards. For many Wollongong businesses it was lean times in 2009. But the Crown St Mall awards last night were a great showcase of individuals and organisations that have displayed resilience and taken an innovative approach to survive and thrive.