I have lived in Wagga for 60 years and have had a NSW licence for 42 of these years. For the past 26 years I have averaged 80,000km a year in the operation of my security company. During this time I thought I had the majority of traffic signs and regulations down pat.
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Imagine my amazement when on October 20, 2017 on my way to visit a client I was booked for turning left from Fernleigh Road into Hely Avenue. The reason I drove this way in the first place was to dodge the debacle of the roundabout between Glenfield Road and Fernleigh Road. I made sure I was travelling under 40kms because it is a school zone. I had my seatbelt on and passed a breath test. I was then informed by the officer of the 7am to 9am rule. He said the street had been designated this way for six years to stop people dodging school zones. I found this rather strange as Hely Avenue is also in a school zone. I also thought dodging school zones would have been a benefit to the motorists.
I was informed that there was a sign posted, which I did not see. I saw the 50kms sign and the 40kms sign, and the school zone flashing sign. Upon checking I did discover that there is a sign some 20 metres closer as the officer said. However, it is very hard to read the times on it from 20 metres as you tend to be looking for the school zones whilst driving.
These directions are normally made by the RTA, so technically the officer was just doing his job.
What I cannot understand is the following:
- You can enter Hely Avenue from the other end at any time
- The strangest one is you can turn from the right and side of Fernleigh across the oncoming traffic into Hely Avenue, but you can’t turn from the same side.
The reason for writing this is to let other people know of the rule. Also any other little surprises such as this so we know about them.
Now I get booked between 7am and 9am. I am wondering why I am trying to help people by driving 80,000 kms per year installing security. I am also wondering how many of the 1 in 4 drivers under the influence of drugs are driving the other way whilst I am on the road going about my business.
John Davey, Wagga
More trucks the merrier
Food trucks are a great part of many events and festivals and markets worldwide, and they showcase cultures and regional produce. Many cafes and restaurants have food trucks and use them to promote their venues.
Local markets could do well to embrace the food truck direction and get away from the standard Rotary sausage sizzle that fills the air with an aroma that is not all that appetising at times.
Walk around a food truck market in Darwin and the atmosphere is a amazing, with people out in droves to explore great food from many nationalities .
Our region can make food trucks a big part of tourism if minds opened up and new modern ideas were embraced. Locals could learn so much about food and cultures and have taste buds broadened.
Local markets like Corowa could do well to encourage some food trucks and even back some local eateries.
It would certainly help the markets become more exciting around food other than a sausage in bread. Food trucks can be a great thing if embraced.