VicRoads flag danger signs at one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections

A giant electronic sign slated for one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections would be a dangerous distraction to drivers and put pedestrians at risk, VicRoads has warned.

DISTRACTED motorists are a danger to themselves and pedestrians if a giant electronic sign slated for a busy Hampton East intersection is allowed to change images more than once a day, VicRoads has warned.

The illuminated sign, comprising huge 19m x 4.5m panels, will stand atop a building at the corner of Nepean Hwy and South Rd.

It was originally knocked back by Bayside Council under advice from VicRoads who said it would be too distracting for the approximately 86,000 vehicles which travel through the intersection each day.

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VicRoads objected to the proposed sign because it posed an “unacceptable road safety hazard” for Southbound motorists on Nepean Hwy.

A giant electronic sign planned for this complicated intersection could pose a dangerous distraction to motorists, according to VicRoads.

The roads authority also feared pedestrians using the zebra crossing on the southeast corner of the busy intersection, will be vulnerable to “distracted” motorists turning left from South Rd.

However, the sign was approved by VCAT despite the objections of Bayside Council and VicRoads.

The sign’s owner had wanted the sign to change images every eight seconds but is understood to have come to a compromise as the sign will now change images once in a 24-hour period.

“We don’t believe an electronic sign which changes its message every eight seconds is appropriate for such a busy intersection,” VicRoads Metro South East Transport and Planning director Savoula Lidis said.

“With an eight-second changeover, the sign would not only be a potential distraction to passing drivers it would also put the safety of pedestrians in the area at risk.”

Bayside City Planning and Community Services director Hamish Reid said he was disappointed with the VCAT decision.

The giant 19m x 4.5m electronic will replace this floodlit sign and be seen by more than 86,000 motorists every day. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

“While there is already a major promotion sign at this site, its electrification would result in a far greater amount of light pollution in the immediate area,” he said.

“Furthermore, the proposed sign would merge with an existing major promotional sign and could have an impact on southbound traffic.”

VCAT green lit the sign as long as it only changed image once every 24-hours.

Accordingly, the council and VicRoads will keep an eagle eye on the sign to ensure it complies.

Although it’s the council’s responsibility to monitor the sign after installation, VicRoads is able to request or initiate enforcement if it is not operating in accordance with its permit.

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