What should have been a good news story for the Marshall Liberal Government has turned to chaos as motorists vent their anger on social media at the traffic bedlam at Tulloch Road.
About two weeks ago the Minister for Transport, the Hon Stephan Knoll came to town with great fanfare to switch the lights on at Potts and Main North Road, declaring mission accomplished.
Local Member of Parliament, Tony Piccolo said since the lights were switched on, motorists have been seeing red.
“I think the Minister believed it was his veni, vidi, vici moment, but in reality, it has become a complete disaster.’
“Had the Minister given the matter more time, and the respect it deserves, we wouldn’t be in this mess at the moment.”
“On Saturday the system went into meltdown and local motorists experienced absolute gridlock for about an hour.”
“In addition to poor sequencing, which has been improved but not completely resolved, I have had complaints about the visibility of the traffic lights by residents entering Main North Road from Morrow Ave.”
“It is now not just an issue of inconvenience and delays, but one of safety as well.”
Mr Piccolo wrote to Mr Knoll following the opening, citing the “considerable negative feedback” in relation to the sequencing of the lights.
Numerous comments echoing Mr Piccolo’s concern on behalf of the community were left on his Facebook page, which serves as a regular platform for discussion between residents on local issues.
One of the most consistent complaints online was the congestion caused by the short green light sequence, which attracted considerable ire from local residents.
“Trying to turn right is so frustrating, the lights go green then [two] seconds later they are yellow and if you have an inattentive driver you are stuck,” said Sarah Somerville from Gawler East.
“The lights at Morrow St turning left onto Main North Rd [are] a nightMare, only two to three cars at a time can turn left, [depending] on how fast the front car is turning, before the arrow turns orange,” said Deborah Moffatt of Evanston Park.
Luke Secker, of Gawler East, suggested that the right turns out of Gawler Green and the Potts Road Intersection should turn green simultaneously, while Gawler South’s Wesley Dallwitz called for the installation of sensors at the lights.
Mr Piccolo said temporary sensors will be put in place until road works are completed in two months’ time.
“The unveiling of the lights at Main North and Potts Roads have shown an embarrassing lack of foresight throughout the implementation of this plan, and the Minister must accept responsibility, and have it fixed asap,” said Mr Piccolo.