‘Checkpoint Charlie’: Woman makes wild ‘smart city’ claim about Victorian road

A smart-city conspiracist has raised suspicion over a standard road practice which has consequently reignited debate over 15-minute cities.

15-minute city conspiracist comes up with bizarre new theory. Picture: Twitter / @AllBiteNoBark88

A 15-minute city conspiracy theorist has made a bold claim about the construction of multiple U-turn bays on a Victorian road, as debate over the urban-planning concept continues globally.

In a video shared to Twitter, an Australian podcaster filmed herself driving along Narre Warren North Road which is situated 38km southeast of Melbourne and is currently undergoing upgrades.

The roadworks commenced in 2020 and are part of the state government’s Big Build project which entailed the addition of extra lanes, installation of traffic lights and road safety improvements.

Final asphalting works, guardrail and signage installations, line markings and vegetation works are currently underway with the project expected to be completed by mid this year.

In line with the project, extra U-turn bays were created for safer and easier access to streets adjacent to the main road.

However, the conspiracy theorist believes these turnaround lanes have been installed to serve a more dire purpose, believing more 15-minute or 20-minute cities are set to pop up in the future.

Also known as smart cities, the notion is an urban development idea where everything you need access to is located within a short distance.

This may include schools, shops, GP clinics and even the office or your place of work, all within the same zone.

The concept is the brainchild of Franco-Colombian urbanist Carlos Moreno who came up with the idea to prompt more sustainable, convenient and healthier living.

Key elements of the theory include keeping essential services close, creating a sense of community solidarity and inspiring green urban living.

However, not all are convinced, with some conspiracists comparing the theory to a Stalin-style plot to keep people in lockdown or under the government’s control.

The woman claims the creation of U-turns is to give people the opportunity to ‘turn back’ before being ‘fined’ for leaving their zone. Picture: Twitter/@AllBiteNoBark88

In the case of the woman who filmed herself driving along Narre Warren North Road, she believes the road upgrade project will become a “Checkpoint Charlie” for smart cities.

“This used to be a country road. Not only are they building wires and towers but they’re also putting in interestingly three or four U-turn opportunities,” she explained in the video.

“I guess that’s because you’ll get a warning – you’re about to leave your 20-minute city, your district, your zone (and it’s your) last chance to turn back obviously before the fines start.”

As she drives further down the road, the woman highlights three “pillars with weird blue lights” positioned in the middle of the road next to several parked tradie cars.

“Up here to the right you’ll see three bollards … I think this right here is the checkpoint,” she claims in the video.

“There’s now all of these opportunities to pull a U-turn and go back the way you came.

“In the future, going out to the countryside is not something they’re going to allow you to do without you handing over your money.”

The woman also claims the poles with ‘weird blue lights’ are a checkpoint. Picture: Twitter / @AllBiteNoBark88

The tweet, which has received over 1.3 million views and 692 likes, has amassed debate over the urban planning concept online with many arguing the woman has taken her thoughts “too far”.

“This is ridiculous. U-turns, or access for emergency vehicles? Or both? Forget something and need to go back home? A U-turn is handy. This is not a nefarious thing,” one person tweeted.

“15 minute (cities) have been around for ages and have nothing to do with climate change lockdowns. It’s literally about ease of access and reducing dependency on cars,” a second person said.

“No one is preventing you from going further away in your car.”

A third comment read: “The wires reduce accidents. The breaks in the wire provide access points for emergency vehicles to turn.

“These safety measures can be found on roads around Australia.”

Meanwhile, one man suggested the push for electric vehicles (EV) over petrol cars could be another excuse to restrict people to their “zone”.

“I’m thinking this is one of the major reasons they want EV versus gas vehicles, fewer and less range!” he said.

The debate online follows huge rallies around the world as conspiracy theorists criticise the concept, which has already come into effect in 16 cities globally including Paris and Shanghai.

Edmonton Canada was also another city which tried to implement the idea, however received backlash from its residents.

“You will spend 90 per cent of your life in this 15-minute area as they are monitoring your carbon footprint,” a flyer circulating warned.

Narre Warren North Road is currently being upgraded. Picture: Victorian government.

Roadworks are underway to make the road safer for motorists. Picture: Twitter/@AllBiteNoBark88

Meanwhile, those who agree with the theory have slammed its critics, including registered nurse Christopher Patterson and national radio broadcaster Triple J Hack.

“There are a lot of noted intellectuals on TikTok telling me I should be suspicious of convenience,” Triple J Hack reporter Shalailah Medhora said in a radio package last month.

Dr Patterson, who is also a University of Wollongong lecturer, explained there are numerous health benefits to the theory that many sceptics are overlooking.

“The main (benefit) is giving people back their freedom (and) time,” Dr Patterson said.

“The time you get back you could put into (your) health or sitting in green spaces to connect back with your community and family.”

Originally published as ‘Checkpoint Charlie’: Woman makes wild ‘smart city’ claim about Victorian road