A controversial move to install wire barriers on Ballarat's Avenue of Honour could be a possibility after another horrific crash at the weekend.
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The Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour Committee, which has previous taken a hard stance against the installation of wire barriers, confirmed to The Courier the group would follow directions from VicRoads on the stretch of road that has claimed multiple lives in the past few years.
“Our sole purpose is to protect those trees, so if VicRoads can produce a strategy where people are better protected without affecting the trees, the committee would support it,” said Avenue of Honour committee president-elect Gary Snowden.
We would not be opposed to a wire barrier if it didn't damage the aesthetics of the avenue.
- Avenue of Honour committee president-elect Gary Snowden
After a 2016 Avenue crash that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Jacob Everett, outgoing president Bruce Price said at the time the installation of wire rope barriers would not be supported by the group due to the significance of the trees.
VicRoads would not directly comment on a wire barriers possibility.
“Where possible, we will make any improvements to boost safety for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” Regional Roads Victoria Western Region regional director Mal Kersting said.
“Safety is our top priority and we investigate all crashes that take place on our road.
“We will work with Victoria Police to determine the cause of the crash.”
The 19-year-old involved in Saturday morning's crash is still fighting for his life in the Royal Melbourne Hospital, in a critical condition with head injuries.
Mr Snowden’s sentiments were echoed by City of Ballarat councillor Daniel Moloney who is a member of the committee.
“It’s in the hands of VicRoads to make a decision about road safety,” he said.
“We believe that reducing the speed limit in at-risk areas may help, however if that doesn’t work and barriers did, we would support the decision”.
A spokesperson from Ballarat’s Highway Patrol has supported calls of wire barriers along Remembrance Drive following Saturday’s horror crash.
“It is certainly something that we would support,” he said.
The stretch of road has now claimed three lives in two years. After losing her son Jacob in 2016, Helen Everett backed the installation of roadside barriers.
READ MORE: Heartbroken mum's plea for avenue barrier
“If Jacob had been speeding, or drinking or on drugs I wouldn’t go public with this. But he was doing the right thing,” she said at the time.
Cr Moloney has pointed to the ability of the Avenue of Honour to constantly adapt to the needs of the public as a reason why wire barriers could be successful.
Our Avenue of Honour is unique - I see no reason why it couldn’t continue to adapt.
- City of Ballarat councillor Daniel Moloney
The 19-year-old in the latest crash on Saturday was driving his Holden ute west on Remembrance Drive between Powells Road and Weighbridge Road, near the Cardigan Lodge Motel, about 7.10am when he veered onto the other lane and hit a tree.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call Ballarat Highway Patrol on 5338 9200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
