I dont think its really accurate to compare Honor Oak Road and Perry Vale, certainly not that section. What section of HR Road would you draw a fair comparison to? Parking on HR, none on PV, bend on HR, bend being removed from HR. Width of the road somewhat different etc.
With regards to traffic "brushing" past pedestrians. Is this to assume the pedestrians are in or almost in the road? If so, why?
As for ignoring speed limits, tables etc. Each driver will vary, just like some people will seek a safe place to cross, others will assume it is safe, or demand their requests are met, and the road adjusted to suit their needs.
I dont think the current place for the table is at all unsuitable. We will have to see where MH chooses to put this, but im sure with sensible comments and recommendations, the ONE table budgeted for can be placed suitably.
Im still not sure where this false sense of security about traffic islands being a safe place to cross comes from.
A car striking the island will lose no speed whatsoever before striking the person on it. If it hit a light pole, the pole will more than likely also strike the pedestrian too. Unless it a pedestrian island with impact fencing around it.
A table which allows a large number of people to pass over it, is practical, sensible and minimal. And also indicates the "recommended" place to cross.
Any form of crossing which commands traffic control would have quite a severe impact on the traffic flow, as has already been pointed out. Its easy to look at one tiny piece of road and make it perfect, but I believe MH also has to consider an impact assessment, which is somewhat more complex.
I think the compromise has been overlooked in the steaming fury that seems to surround the project to be honest. Straightening the road is for safety. If the bus stop was removed so the table could be placed further down the road, there would be uproar. 99% of decisions made by someone for others is usually deemed "wrong" in some way.
However as we agree, given MH's previous successes, maybe we should wait and see how this turns out. Mick is one of the most down to earth guys I have met in a role like this. So im sure if its immediatly clear its not working, he will sort it out.