REFERRING to Peter Wood’s letter headlined ‘Median madness’ in last week’s issue and others of late, in similar vein, with which I wholeheartedly agree, I am a former police officer and a retired independent liability assessor specialising in personal injury and fatal accidents.
I was taught that roads exist for the free safe passage of traffic (possibly a bit outdated now).
We driving ratepayers must be made to realise that we may be tempted to carry out the one manoeuvre which the City of Mandurah’s Office of Road Slowness abhors most of all.
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READ NOWThat is overtaking for any reason at any speed. We must be prevented from committing this heinous crime at all costs.
Once we understand their phobia, then the median strips, solid and painted, stop signs, roundabouts and chicanes with which we are afflicted will all make sense and we can accept their nonsense.
Of the many examples of which we know, the jewel in the crown of this ineptitude is the roundabout at the junction of Sholl and Church streets.
I have driven in many countries but have never before seen a roundabout where one lane of traffic (Sholl, northbound) is channelled directly toward the path of the opposing (southbound) vehicles.
Just after this abomination was completed, I spoke to the prizewinning engineer responsible (no longer with council) pointing out that turning vehicles dangerously present a wider profile than those moving in a straight line.
He asked: ‘Even if they go slow?’
‘Nuf said.
Traffic northbound on Sholl negotiates this hazard in spite of the council’s design, not because of it.
Evidence tyre marks on the left entry kerb, on the roundabout kerb and on the left exit kerb.
Ergo, it’s too narrow.
If ever I were to be asked whether there is one thing I hate about Mandurah, I would have to say that it is that driving in Mandurah is a pain.
Our road planners’ efforts seem to stagger from one crisis to another as the months go by.
Would they please get out from behind their drawing boards and have a drive round the town, or am I naive in assuming that any of them can drive?
HARRY HORNE, Mandurah