THE state Department of Transport has urged drivers to obey the road signs following driver confusion surrounding the Stratford-Maffra Rd and Princes Highway intersection.
Drivers say uncertainty over whether vehicles have to stop at the Stratford-Maffra Rd intersection with the Princes Highway or merge with traffic is causing chaos and is “an accident waiting to happen”.
Social media posts have revealed the extent of the confusion, with many drivers insisting it was not necessary to stop when turning left into the highway towards Stratford, but others insisted vehicles must come to a complete stop.
One driver said she had been cut off on two occasions while driving on the Princes Highway by truck drivers coming from Stratford-Maffra Rd and cutting the corner as they turn into the highway. She feared it wouldn’t be long before an accident happened because of the confusion.
Other drivers said the problem was exacerbated at night time, with some drivers turning left into the Princes Highway seemingly unaware of the approaching traffic.
Department of Transport region director Sara Rhodes-Ward said drivers needed to obey the road signs and road rules at all times for their own safety, and for the safety of other motorists.
Ms Rhodes-Ward said the intersection of Stratford-Maffra Rd with the Princes Highway was clearly signposted and road marked as a ‘give way’ intersection.
Vehicles approaching the intersection must give way to any vehicle already in, entering or approaching an intersection.
The area to the left hand side of the intersection approach is cleared marked with white hatching, which is intended to slow approaching vehicles and encourage drivers to safely obey the ‘give way’ sign before entering the intersection.
Failing to correctly obey the road rules at a ‘give way’ sign can result in a penalty of $495 and three demerit points.
