Drivers confused over Tullamarine Freeway exits demand refunds

THOUSANDS of drivers should be refunded tolls after inadvertently travelling on CityLink because of “confusing” signs, a local councillor says.

THOUSANDS of drivers should be refunded tolls after inadvertently travelling on CityLink because of “confusing” signs, a local councillor says.

Moreland councillor Oscar Yildiz said drivers were being ripped off when they missed new exits for Bell St and ended up on the toll road.

TULLA WIDENING WILL ONLY HELP FOR 10 YEARS

NEW CITYLINK LANES TO OPEN EARLY

LEAD FOOTS PUT ON NOTICE DURING TULLA WIDENING WORKS

He blamed “confusing” signage and the ongoing roadworks to widen the Tullamarine Freeway.

“Many motorists on both the Calder and Tullamarine are missing turn-offs, getting stuck on CityLink and the cost can be almost $5.00 both ways ... it’s extremely unfair and there is no avenue of compensation,” he said.

Drivers on the Tullamarine and Calder freeways should be refunded, according to a Moreland councillor.

Cr Yildiz moved a motion demanding refunds for affected motorists and a moratorium on charges until roadworks were completed.

It was defeated at Wednesday night’s council meeting.

Cr Yildiz said static signs placed on the road were not enough to warn motorists.

Brunswick East woman Connie Paglianiti said she had been caught out at least three times.

“It’s very confusing and it’s even confused very experienced taxi drivers I have travelled with,” she said.

A Transurban spokeswoman said new exits on both the Tullamarine and Calder freeways had opened last year to improve connections to Bell St.

“The new dedicated earlier exits ... were extensively promoted and there remains a number of advance warning signs prior to the exit,” she said.

It is understood additional permanent signs will be added when the road widening project is completed, bringing the total number to six.

@edjgardiner