AN INCORRECT road sign at a roundabout in Wonthaggi is sending unsuspecting tourists and visitors away from the township instead of towards it.
Wonthaggi local, Carol Thorn became aware of the inaccurate sign at the roundabout on Bass Highway, McKenzie Street and White Road last November.
A friend of her sons, unknown to Wonthaggi, received directions to follow the signs into town and to turn right after reaching the BP service station.
The sign at the roundabout, pointed the driver down White Road instead of McKenzie Street and after not coming upon the service station, the driver became confused and called to check directions.
She was forced to turn around and back track to find her destination.
This happened also to a friend of Carol’s husband and she suspects, to many others.
White Road is a soon to be dead end and Carol fears those towing caravans may find it difficult to turn around, an issue that could be easily prevented with correct signage.
A local who lives in White Road had also noticed an increase in cars turning around in the street since the new roundabout and signs had been completed, according to Carol.
“It’s a big sign. It’s one of those green ones, a really huge one and its completely wrong,” said Carol.
In light of Christmas approaching and the busy holiday season that sees an influx of tourists, Carol contacted Vic Roads (Department of Transport and Planning) about the sign.
It wasn’t until Thursday, January 18 after her second contact with Vic Roads that Carol received a written reply, as follows (not in its entirety),
“Please be advised, DTP has reviewed the sign in this vicinity and is currently in the process of arranging minor improvements (sign overlay). Work is subject to contractor availability, weather and regional priorities.”
As we are approaching mid-February, and the sign has as yet not been replaced and continues to direct traffic the wrong way, Carol remains dismayed.
“It doesn’t affect me, I know where I’m going, my kids know where they‘re going, my grandkids know where they’re going when they come to Wonthaggi. It needs to be clear to visitors and all, give them the right signage, not a bungled one.”
The Sentinel – Times contacted VicRoads regarding progress or timeframe for rectification of the sign.
According to Vic Roads no further action has been taken since the last email sent to Carol on January 18.
