By CASEY NEILL
VICROADS says it will move a Noble Park traffic sign following complaints that it was incorrectly positioned and catching motorists unaware.
But councillor Roz Blades said a flashing ’no right turn’ sign was the “safest way to go” at the Heatherton Road-Mons Parade intersection.
Cr Blades said a ‘no right hand turn’ sign positioned close to the ground on a pole appeared in Mons Parade, beside the Noble Park RSL, about eight weeks ago.
It bans the manoeuvre from Heatherton Road into Mons Parade from 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm weekdays.
At the 24 August council meeting, Cr Blades said drivers had told her they could not see the sign clearly because it was too low.
“I’m presuming that it’s a VicRoads issue because Heatherton Road is a VicRoads road,” she said.
“Are we able to ask them to at least put the sign where people can see it because I think it’s a little unfair that people can’t see it until they’re actually turning right, which can also be dangerous?”
Cr Blades suggested a flashing ‘no right hand turn’ sign would make the situation clearer for motorists, and again raised the issue at council meetings on 8 September and 13 October after she had failed to see any action on the issue.
“Another important thing is that the pole with the signage on it is, in fact, past the road it doesn’t want people to turn right on,” she said.
“The signage should be clearly marked before the actual road!”
VicRoads Metropolitan South East regional director Adam Maguire said the road authority had investigated and would move the sign up so it was more visible to drivers.
“Flashing electronic ‘no right turn’ signs are generally used at signalised intersections and are therefore not supported at this location,” he said.
Cr Blades welcomed the sign lift, but said she’d continue to push for the flashing sign.
“I’m pleased that they’ve taken on our concerns,” she said.
“But there are traffic lights right there so that people can cross Heatherton Road. That’s not valid.
“Is it fair that motorists don’t see the signs until they’re straight on top of them?
“The motorists should see it beforehand, and a flashing red sign you would see.
“It’s the most sensible and safest way to go.”
