Long line for Maccas causes safety query

RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns over a congested intersection in Torquay however business owners say it is only temporary.

Locals have identified the right-hand turn into McDonalds and Rivers located on Beach Road as a traffic hazard with several close calls being recognised in an online post.

Comments also reference traffic backing up towards the Surf Coast Highway during peak hours, with some citing “poor town planning” as the issue.

McDonalds Torquay Store licensee Stuart Coomes said COVID-19 restrictions and closure of restaurants inline with State Government orders had “exaggerated” traffic congestion at the site.

“It was the consequence of other restaurants being closed and us being the only drive-through in Torquay,” he said.

Mr Coomes believes that with other restaurants opening in the area for dine-in options the congestion will be alleviated.

Local resident Carl Linell who initiated the online discussion said having people turn into the restaurant from the road is far too dangerous.

“I travel up and down Beach Road everyday,” he said.

“Cars are banked up most nights at around 5pm as I’m on my way home from work.”

Surf Coast Shire general manager of governance and infrastructure John Bertoldi said that the queuing in Beach Road had increased significantly during COVID-19 with a greater demand for takeaway meals.

“In any similar traffic situation where drivers may be queuing to enter a property or make a turn there is potential for collision if drivers are inattentive,” he said.

Mr Bertoldi said Council and VicRoads took traffic congestion at the intersection into account during the process of allocating McDonalds their land and road access. A VCAT hearing in 1999 determined that additional traffic measures may be required in the future to combat an increase in traffic volume.

This led to the commissioning of traffic lights in 2018 at the Beach Road intersection.

“Any consideration of moving the drive-through access would need to be made in consultation with McDonald’s and the Department of Transport, which has authority over the Surf Coast Highway and Beach Road intersection,” he said.

“Council would be prepared to enter discussions if concerns continue into the future.”