Driver stung $322 wants cash back after VicRoads remove traffic island

A young P-plater was slapped with a hefty $322 penalty for driving over a painted traffic island in Watsonia, which VicRoads later removed because it was “confusing”. Now the motorist is refusing to pay it.

The traffic island on Greensborough Hwy in Watsonia before it was removed.

A young motorist stung $322 for driving over a painted traffic island in Watsonia is demanding the fine be overturned after VicRoads removed the “confusing” safety measure.

But Greensborough police are standing by their decision to fine drivers for the offence.

The Leader previously reported the painted traffic island designed to ease congestion along Greensborough Highway was instead causing traffic chaos, with motorists and even a local politician calling it “ridiculous” and “dangerous”.

VicRoads narrowed the road northbound on the major arterial, between Watsonia station and Grimshaw St, in early June to prevent drivers cutting into traffic just before the lights at the Grimshaw St-Greensborough Highway intersection.

But VicRoads bowed to public pressure to remove the island, getting rid of it in late July.

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Greensborough P-plater Alex Williams said he was entitled to his money back.

“How is it fair that I was fined over $300 for driving over something that was then removed because it was causing too much confusion on the road,” he said.

Police issued the 19-year-old with the fine in late June after his ute travelled over the traffic island during the evening peak hour rush.

“Everyone was doing it to avoid hitting other cars,” he said.

“I did not understand what I did wrong — I didn’t put anyone at risk or in danger.”

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Alex’s mother Michelle, who paid the fine to help her son, slammed the scheme as “revenue raising”.

“It’s a lot of money for him — he’s an apprentice tradie earning a very small rate per hour,” she said.

“To think he was fined that much for what he did is disgusting, when I can go out and speed and be fined a lot less.”

But Greensborough Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Ashley Hodges said the act was an offence and all fines would still stand.

He said solid white lines would be extended further back from the intersection to deter motorists cutting into traffic.

“Drivers need to stop trying to cut into traffic just before the lights — it’s irresponsible behaviour,” he said.

“White lines extended further back will hopefully prevent any confusion and make it clear to motorists they cannot change lanes unless it’s a dotted white line.”

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