TONY Roser says a large portable advertising sign near the traffic lights at the intersection of the Northern Distributor Road and Telopea Way is a dangerous distraction for drivers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Roser, who has been driving for 60 years, says he uses the intersection regularly and is alarmed to see a large sign had been place so close to the traffic lights.
“I’ve travelled around Australia for years, I used to be a long-haul truck driver, and I’ve never seen anything as ridiculous as where they’ve placed this sign,” he said.
Mr Roser says it is hard for drivers to concentrate on the traffic conditions and the changing of the traffic lights when they are distracted by the sign.
“It’s all colours of the rainbow,” he said.
Mr Roser does not blame the sign’s owner or advertiser, he says it is Orange City Council’s job to ensure the signs are placed in a safe and sensible location.
“The idiots who gave it the okay should be kicked out of council,” he said.
“The sign makes it confusing trying to work out what’s going on.”
Council spokesperson Nick Redmond says it is important electronic message boards do not distract passing drivers and become a potential safety hazard.
“The council is in the process of drafting a set of guidelines to cover their use,” he said.
“In the meantime, council staff are offering advice to businesses about how they should be positioned.
“The sign in the McDonalds car park at North Orange has been brought to the council’s attention.
“The promoters of the New Year’s Eve fireworks have been asked to re-position the sign so that it won’t distract drivers.”
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au