Seventh car crashes into fence on dangerous stretch of Punt Rd

THE slippery slope on Punt Rd has claimed another victim. A seventh car has crashed into a fence that hadn’t been repaired since the last smash.

ANOTHER vehicle has crashed into a fence on the notorious slippery slope on Punt Rd.

Last month the Herald Sun revealed six incidents where cars had careered into front fences on a short stretch of the busy commuter corridor, prompting a VicRoads investigation.

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In the latest crash, a Ford Falcon aquaplaned off the road while changing lanes on Sunday evening, slamming into the fence at no 498 Punt Rd.

Homeowner Marc Corley said he hadn’t had time to replace the fence from the last smash.

“I’m worried the next time the story is going to be injuries or death to my family or a pedestrian,’’ Mr Corley said.

The car crashed into the front fence of 498 Punt Rd. Pic Supplied.

Driver Anthony Montesano travels up and down Punt Rd often, sometimes six times a day for work. He said he was changing lanes to avoid pot holes further up the road.

“I could just feel the back of the car shift and next thing I’m spinning and facing the other direction up on the footpath,’’ he said.

The car was written off as it slammed sideways into the fence.

“I was being overcautious and I thought ‘I can’t believe this is happening’. I was doing 50km/h up a hill and then I had zero control.’’

Several motorists have reported aquaplaning off the road while accelerating up the hill heading south. Most of the recent accidents have occurred in wet conditions.

This section of Punt Rd was resurfaced in 1997.

Remains of the front fence of 498 Punt Rd. Pic Supplied.

The Herald Sun revealed the problem on November 10.

Residents believe the road has become smooth and worn down by millions of vehicles over 20 years.

Four homes, between 492 and 500 Punt Rd, have been in the firing line — fences have now been struck seven times in the past year.

Residents are angry over cars crashing into their front fences on a stretch of Punt Rd in South Yarra. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Several fender-benders have also occurred on the road, used by more than 30,000 vehicles a day.

An initial VicRoads internal report, seen by the Herald Sun, recommended resurfacing back in October but only “Slippery When Wet” signs were erected.

More than 30,000 cars use the road every day. Picture: Nicole Garmston

VicRoads is retesting the road surface and preparing a new report.

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@IanRoyall