A RELATIVELY high plantation on the York Street/Raglan Street roundabout in Sale that could potentially obscure a motorist’s view of other vehicles has been maintained in line with Regional Roads Victoria design standards, according to Welllington Shire Council.

Sale resident Caroline (not her real name) has expressed concern about the plantation (pictured) and has had discussions with council.

“The grass in the middle is so high you can’t see what’s coming in any direction from the roundabout,” she says.

“You cannot see through it. And you have roads going into that roundabout at 70km/h.

“It’s not the only roundabout (with high plantation), but it’s a major one.”

Caroline goes through the roundabout when she visits a family member who lives near Royal Freemasons Sale

“I drive up the highway and I always make sure I’m on the far left side of the roundabout. Because, since (the cars) are coming down so fast, they come flying around the roundabout,” she said.

“A couple of times I’ve seen someone on the inside near me nearly get hit, because they couldn’t see them coming … they have their indicator on but you can’t even see the cars coming unless they’re a truck or a large car, but ordinary sedans you can’t see.

“Surely common sense would say don’t plant something that’s going to obscure people’s view?”

The Gippsland Times reached out to the Department of Transport, who said the planting at the intersection of York and Raglan streets in Sale was the responsibility of Wellington Shire Council.

“The safety of all road users is our number one priority and we take any potential safety risk very seriously,” a Regional Roads Victoria spokesperson said.

All roundabout and median strip planting on Victorian roads are required to meet the guidelines set out in the Austroads Guide to Road Design, which provides guiding principles for landscaping on roundabouts on arterial roads and local streets.

A Wellington Shire Council spokesperson said: “The plantings on all roundabouts are maintained in line with Regional Roads Victoria design standards.”

In response, Caroline said the roundabout was still problematic.

“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” she said.

“You’re permitted to do something, it doesn’t mean it’s right.”

The community is encouraged to report any hazards, including tree issues, by calling 133 RRV (133 778).

Plantation on the York Street/Raglan Street roundabout.

Photo: Stefan Bradley