LINE MARKINGS ON ALPINE ROAD URGENT: HALL

Gippsland MP Peter Hall is pushing for an urgent re-marking of traffic lines on the Great Alpine Road.

Mr Hall has written to VicRoads following complaints from numerous constituents, concerned that because of the repairs to the road, many of the line markings are not visible. A large amount of re-sealing, patching and general wear and tear means that the centre line road markings are no longer in existence for much of the road length.

Mr Hall said today: "It is a basic safety issue and while the Government is spending lots of money on education campaigns - which are necessary - we also need to make sure that money is being directed to important repairs.

"This, in my mind, is clearly an urgent need. On a road like the Great Alpine Road the centre line road markings are vital for safety as they are a guide for drivers."

In his letter to VicRoads Mr Hall pointed out that there had been a number of log truck roll overs in the last six months.

"Safety on this road is a prime concern. Increased traffic travelling into the high country for the (Labour Day) long weekend and then Easter heightens the need for good road conditions. Clearly visible markings are an important basic step."

Mr Hall has called for action to be taken as a matter of urgency.

"Police and emergency services are in despair about the road toll. Everything possible needs to be done to make our roads safe, particularly leading up to peak times, like the Easter break."

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066