By Tyler Wright
Google has taken action to stop drivers using a dangerous road in Olinda after concerns were raised for the safety of motorists on Hacketts Road.
Olinda resident and volunteer for the Kallista-The Patch Fire Brigade, Bill Pizzey, has been calling for both Uber and Google Maps to redirect drivers away from turning onto the road, after witnessing several drivers he said lose traction at the street’s dog-leg bend.
Mr Pizzey said he has attempted to contact Uber and Google Maps to alert them to the safety issues facing their drivers, but no action had been taken to redirect drivers.
“It doesn’t matter whether you turn the steering wheel, touch the brakes, anything, you can’t stop sliding,” he said.
“The worst case scenario would be if they slid across out across Perrins Creek Road.”
Mr Pizzey said the Kallista-The Patch Fire Brigade attended an accident on Saturday 8 April, alongside members from the Monbulk Rescue and Olinda fire brigades and police.
“Usually you’re turning out somebody trapped in a car…but in this case, the car is sliding,” he said.
“All the [accidents] I know of there’s probably been 10 this year, and that’s if you go back for another 12 months.”
On Thursday 13 April, a Google spokesperson told the Star Mail the issue had been fixed on the map.
“We use a variety of sources to get the most accurate and up to date information on the map, and we use a combination of manual and automated techniques to check for accuracy,” the spokesperson said.
“When there’s an issue, we work to fix them as quickly as we can.”
Yarra Ranges Council has installed a sign alerting motorists to a high risk slope, advising them to take another route.
“We’ve been working with community members on Hacketts Road in Olinda to better manage through-traffic,” former Director of Environment and Infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council Mark Varmalis told the Mail in June 2022.
“It appears the road offers a shortcut when travelling through the Hills. Unfortunately, the mapping does not represent the difficult terrain and high risk slope on Hacketts Road, which is very challenging without a four-wheel-drive in sections,” Mr Varmalis said.
“We strongly encourage everyone driving through the area – whether you’re a community member or a visitor – to pay close attention to road signs on your journey, so you can have an easy and safe experience and avoid potential accidents.”
Uber did not respond to request for comment by deadline.
