Drivers fined during Eastland traffic blitz

DRIVERS making illegal right-hand turns outside Eastland, in front of a police station, are among more than 700 people fined during a blitz - and it’s prompted plans for traffic changes in the area.

Drivers have been caught doing illegal right-hand turns out of Eastland, in front of Ringwood police station. Picture: Janine Eastgate

DRIVERS making illegal right-hand turns and jaywalkers walking against red lights racked up thousands of dollars in fines during a police blitz near Eastland.

And plans are being formed to alter two roads around the shopping centre to stamp out motorists’ behaviour.

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Ringwood Sergeant Michael Stuebner said officers ran an operation on selected days in October and November targeting motorist and pedestrian behaviour on Ringwood St and Warrandyte Rd.

More than 700 people were caught and fined either $79 for jaywalking, $159 for doing an illegal right-hand turn or $317 for passing double lines.

Officers regularly caught motorists doing illegal turns near Eastland’s gate six on Warrandyte Rd and gate four near the Ringwood police station on Ringwood St.

“We knew it was a problem, but I didn’t realise the scale of the problem until we ran the operation,” Sgt Stuebner said.
“It just doesn’t stop, it’s relentless, and it just showed us how much of an issue it is.

“It is silly and so blatant that people do it in front of (Ringwood) police station.”

Sgt Stuebner said the unit approached Maroondah Council and VicRoads after the operation to suggest changes to the two roads to tackle the issue.

He understood the changes could include extending traffic islands or installing wire barriers in the middle of each road.

Illegal right-hand turns into Warrandyte Rd from Eastland have also been a problem. Picture: Janine Eastgate

VicRoads spokeswoman Savoula Lidis confirmed they were working closely with police, the council and Eastland management to “develop a proposal for works to deter drivers from making illegal turns”.

Maroondah Mayor Nora Lamont and Eastland general manager Steve Edgerton also confirmed they were aware of plans to restrict drivers from making illegal turns at different entrances to the centre.

They both implored drivers to obey current road rules in and around Eastland.

Mr Edgerton said centre management would work closely with local police and the council “in determining the most appropriate measure to address this matter.”

He said motorists could safely make right-hand turns at gates seven and eight on Warrandyte Rd.