As well as the new pedestrian crossings, improved signage and linemarking and the implementation of a safer speed of 40km/h on Belmore Street between McNally Street and the Yarrawonga-Mulwala traffic bridge have been established to focus on pedestrian safety in the Yarrawonga central business district.
The works, carried out by Regional Roads Victoria (RRV), have caused some confusion since completion in recent weeks about who has ‘right of way’ at zebra crossings which adjoin roundabouts.
Giving way or ‘right of way’ is arguably one of the most contested rules on Victorian roads.
First and foremost, both drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to give way.
According to VicRoads, vehicles do not need to give way to pedestrians unless there is a designated pedestrian crossing there. Therefore, at the pedestrian crossings on Belmore Street vehicles must give way to pedestrians.
At zebra crossings, once pedestrians are out of the way, road users are allowed to continue driving.
For motorists, vehicles should not enter a roundabout unless the lane they want to exit in is clear of traffic.
For pedestrians, it is not compulsory to cross at pedestrian crossings, but they must use one if it is within 20 metres. If there is no pedestrian crossing at a roundabout, pedestrians must give way to vehicles.
The aim of the new zebra crossings is to make it easier and safer for people to cross the road, particularly for people who need a bit more time to do so. This includes elderly people, families with children, and people with disabilities.
“As part of our improvements to Belmore St, we have installed five zebra crossings, and a number of speed humps to improve safety for all road users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” Department of Transport Regional Director (Hume) Steve Bowmaker said.
“All drivers need to be alert to the changes and follow the road rules and drive safely, particularly around zebra crossings.”
To find out more about Victoria’s road rules visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules.