Robert Talbot at the `confusing' intersection.
A BALLARAT driving instructor is tired of witnessing collisions and confused driver behaviour on the intersection of Ararat and Lydiard streets.
He is calling for new signage and line marking at the site, in a bid to stop “a number of shortcomings of this intersection as it is at present”.
Robert Talbot, a Ballarat driving instructor and taxi driver, said he had contacted Ballarat City Council numerous times over many months with his concerns about the intersection.
But he has been disappointed to receive no response on the issue.
Mr Talbot said cars turning right from Ararat Street were currently in danger of colliding head-on with traffic on Lydiard Street and he feared there would be a serious accident one day.
He has called for a right turning green light at the intersection, to tell drivers it’s OK to turn right.
Some new line marking and signage could also be added to put an end to confused and dangerous driver behaviour, he said.
“The Vic Roads Book of Rules clearly states that a vehicle may not cross a continuous line to change lanes. I would put it to you, though, that cars can be seen doing that very thing at the intersection 10 times in an hour,” he said.
A City of Ballarat spokesperson told The Courier on Friday a response in writing had now been sent to Mr Talbot addressing his concerns about the intersection.
He said the council had also committed to making a number of further small modifications at the site, including new pavement markings to reinforce travel lanes and modified signage on Ararat street.
“Signalisation of the intersection was undertaken in conjunction with VicRoads and the Department of Transport to improve conditions, particularly for pedestrians moving between the Railway Station and the Armstrong Street car park,” he said.
“Recently, and in response to driver concerns, signal phasing on Ararat street has been modified.”