Ballarat intersection's red light rule to stay

DESPITE confusion among motorists, there has never been any intention to change the rules at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Sturt Street, according to VicRoads.The Courier reported this week that the intersection is unique to Ballarat in that drivers are permitted to proceed against a red light.The centre of the median is officially classed as a give way zone.The report drew mixed responses from the public, and many residents said they were unaware of the rule.VicRoads acting regional director Brian Sherritt said a change to the rules had not been considered of late."In 2004, VicRoads installed `give way to pedestrians' signs after a local disability group voiced their concerns," he said.Some residents also voiced their concern on The Courier's website, claiming they felt unprotected as pedestrians."I use this intersection as a pedestrian regularly pushing a pram ... the casualties will be pedestrians," one resident said.Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary said pedestrians crossing Pleasant Street have right of way when they have the green walk light and motorists must remain cautious when proceeding through the red light.VicRoads crash data indicated there had only been one minor incident in the last five years."VicRoads has received no other complaints and has no current plans to change the intersection," said Mr Sherritt.He said the reasoning behind the law was to ensure traffic does not become congested on Sturt Street."This reduces the risk of right-turning vehicles queuing back into Sturt Street and reduces the risk of rear-end collisions."