WTF: It’s a continuous lane but year after year, drivers keep stopping at this Geelong frustration hot spot

It’s the lane pain that drives so many Geelong drivers insane. There’s also a fluoride flight of fancy, a disappointed thief and an extra team on the field at the Cattery. Welcome to the latest instalment of WOAH, THAT’S FRUSTRATING.

WTF

They’re the little – and sometimes not so little – things that can really irk us. We’ve asked the people of Geelong to point out the problems that irritate and exasperate and have us all saying, woah, that’s frustrating!

Intersection of Surfcoast Highway and Settlement Rd, Belmont where there is no need to give way when turning left onto the highway. Picture: Brad Fleet

DRIVING US ROUND THE BEND

Let us set the scene for you.

You’re driving south along Settlement Rd, past Spotlight and Anaconda.

You continue driving, ready to turn left onto Torquay Rd.

You’re about to turn but then the car in front of you does the unthinkable.

It comes to a complete stop. For no reason. There is no give way or stop sign.

It’s one continuous lane, you can just keep on driving. But for years confused drivers have hit the brakes on this bend, leaving those behind them less than pleased.

What should be a smooth transition from one main road to another instead leads to traffic banked up in the left lane.

One frustrated resident, who frequently travels the road, said a sign at the site clearly showed drivers had their own continuing lane and did not need to merge.

“It’s incredibly annoying because the sign is there, clear as day,” she said.

HOW MANY ROADS MUST A MAN...

Interestingly the intersection above features in another, separate, reader complaint. The two roads that meet here have got the goat of this local. This time it’s about names – too many of them.

“What ever happened to the time-honoured tradition of giving a road one name,” he said.

“Coming into the northern suburbs from Melbourne, without turning, I’m on the Princes Highway, then I’m on Melbourne Rd, all of a sudden it’s called Latrobe Tce then Settlement Rd, then even Colac Rd, it’s ridiculous.

“Furthermore, when I’m heading to the beach, am I on Torquay Rd or the Surf Coast Highway?

“Torquay locals will even tell me I’m on Geelong Rd.”

(Should we tell our miffed motorist part of that last stretch is also sometimes called Grovedale Rd?)

THE TOOTH IS OUT THERE

Unregistered, self-proclaimed political party Australia One is quickly becoming a favourite of this column.

Last week it was reported people wearing the party’s logo were becoming a staple at council meetings, consistently asking questions and spruiking conspiracy theories.

The group refer to council as a “corporation”, and considers it to be an unlawful entity because it has an Australian business number (ABN).

This week’s meeting was no exception, and their line of questioning was a doozy.

They raised concerns with the fluoride in Geelong’s town water.

“My question is, is the Geelong city council corporation willing to investigate the health risks of fluoride, and is the CEO and council employees prepared to be held personally accountable and liable for any harm done to the men, women and children of the Geelong community in the case of fluoride in our water supply?” a member asked.

Mayor Trent Sullivan, clearly becoming frustrated by the monthly barrage of questions, dismissed the claims and informed Australia One council doesn’t actually control the town’s water, that responsibility sits with Barwon Water, a state entity over which council has no control.

While fluoride in high doses can damage bones and joints, the conspiracy that its presence in drinking water can be dangerous is one that has been long disproved.

According to VicHealth, systematic reviews from health authorities around the world consistently find that water fluoridation does not have harmful effects.

In fact, drinking fluoride is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay and keep you out of the dentist’s chair.

CRIM NOT A ONE DIRECTION FAN

A would-be thief was left disappointed earlier this week, after rustling through an Addy journalist’s car.

The reporter woke up on Monday morning to find his car door ajar and the glove box open.

“My partner had left my door unlocked after a shopping trip,” he said.

“There was a bit of a panic when we saw the door open, thankfully I haven’t noticed anything missing.

“I think they would’ve been a bit disappointed when they got in there, between a few coins and a One Direction CD, it was slim pickings.

“I was a bit insulted they didn’t feel inclined to take my copy of the Addy on the back seat.”

Perhaps the real crime here is one of musical taste but it’s a timely reminder to lock your doors and don’t leave anything in your car.

A CASE OF THE RUNS AT THE CATTERY

The size of the “pink army” that marched on to the park as the Cats stormed past West Coast last Saturday had fans intrigued.

A pink-vested swarm of runners rushed the field during breaks in play as Cats goals rained down.

An eagle-eyed fan high in the stands at GMHBA Stadium counted at least 10 busy pink helpers delivering hydration and messages at one stage during the last quarter.

“There were so many pink ‘players’ in action, it looked like a third team on the ground,” the fan quipped.

“And given the size of the Cats’ win, I’m not sure any of the runners’ messages or drinks were all that vital.”

Originally published as WTF: It’s a continuous lane but year after year, drivers keep stopping at this Geelong frustration hot spot