The use of road traffic signs is strictly controlled by NSW transport to ensure that wayward signage doesn’t confuse drivers, pedestrians and other road users and cause accidents.
According to former police officer and federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot signs that are being used by Nationals candidate for Richmond Matthew Fraser are both ‘illegal’ and ‘dangerous’.
‘The “STOP” sign featured in Mr Fraser’s signage is almost indistinguishable from the official traffic sign,’ said Ms Elliot.
‘As a former police officer, I believe his illegal acts are dangerous and irresponsible and may confuse motorists and could ultimately lead to a serious traffic accident.’
The Nationals candidates Facebook page contains 16 individual posts relating to the placement of the signage around the seat of Richmond.
Ms Elliot has highlighted that the signage Mr Fraser is using to get his political message across uses the same colouring, similar fonts and the ‘distinct octagonal shape’ of the official NSW traffic ‘STOP’ sign.
‘I’ve been contacted by many distressed locals who said their attention has been distracted while they’ve been driving and confronted with these illegal “STOP” signs,’ she said.
‘These illegal “STOP” signs are repeatedly placed on road related areas which includes footpaths and road shoulders. The definition of a road within the NSW Road Transport Act includes footpaths and road shoulders.
‘Owing to concerns for our community’s safety I’ve written to the NSW Police Commissioner requesting an investigation into these illegal acts,” Justine said.
Matthew Fraser replied
Matthew Fraser replied to Echonetdaily by saying ‘Justine Elliot’s Labor Retiree Tax will effect 8,000 individual seniors and pensioners from Tweed Heads to Ballina, and her attempts to stifle debate about this issue by complaining to the police is a sign of desperation.’
‘Wages have stagnated (while CEO pay packets have skyrocketed), buying a house in the region for the younger generation is almost impossible, electricity prices are through the roof, job security is becoming scarcer, wealth inequality is massively increasing… and then there’s climate change and warnings of mass ecological extinctions.’
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