The city has finally removed a tree along the road after two years of local complaints, claiming it had caused numerous accidents.
The tree, which was planted on the road at the corner of Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road in Coogee, east of Sydney, was removed on Wednesday.
A Randwick City Council spokesman said the decision to remove the tree was taken because the tree had been vandalised several times in the tree trunk area.
“The coastal location and the condition of the pit also made it difficult to grow the tree in this location,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Given the ongoing problems, the municipality is removing the tree and the orchard surrounding it.’
The spokesperson said the council had previously had to remove the tree six times because it had been repeatedly damaged.
Photos show workers working on the asphalt where the building used to stand.
The planter, which was built almost in the middle of the road, on the corner of Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road, in Sydney’s east, was removed on Wednesday (pictured)
Motorists have been complaining for years about the concrete foundation surrounding the structure, driving on it time and time again because they don’t expect a tree to be planted in the lane.
Angry residents called it “useless” and said it unnecessarily took up space in the left lane at the busy intersection.
Last month, a local cafe employee reported that three cars had crashed into the barriers in one week.
Residents expressed their relief on social media after the box was removed.
“Well done, what a stupid idea to put it there,” someone wrote.
‘OMG! It’s finally happened. I don’t understand why Randwick Council likes to plant trees where it blocks the view of oncoming cars. [and] pedestrians… especially at intersections. Super weird,’ someone else wrote.
The council previously justified the flora element by stating that it was an important environmental initiative that contributed to the vibrancy of the area.
The council also claimed that the concrete blocks serve as wheel stops for a nearby car park.
The council previously claimed that the installation of the planter (pictured left) was an important environmental initiative that contributed to the vibrancy of the area
Concrete planters are often used in suburban areas to revitalize the architecture of public spaces.
The structures also provide environmental benefits by improving air quality and providing habitat for wildlife.
The boxes are also a cost-effective way to redesign public spaces, as they require minimal maintenance and do not need to be replaced often.