FRIGHT OF WAY

“It’s not just a Great Ocean Road issue — there are increasing numbers of tourists coming from across Australia (and) it needs a national approach to driver education.” ELAINE CARBINES

est way to exit and enter the property,” Mr Neeland said.

“We have extensive signage in the property to give drivers support in making decisions.”

A Surf Coast Council spokesman said the planning permit issued to the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery does include a requirement that directional signage is provided.

“Council has not received any complaints about the signage at the site,” he said.

“Officers will check on the signs to see if they could lead to confusion.”

Ms Carbines said tourism remained vital for the region and drivers needed to be able to arrive safely to their destination.

“We are seeing the emergence of international tourists taking the opportunity to hire their vehicle and make their own adventure,” Ms Carbines said.

“To travel from Melbourne down the Great Ocean Road is a very long drive for anybody ... and for somebody who is fatigued and not understanding — it adds a lot of stress.”

She said simple signs displaying the travel time from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles could save lives.

TAC road safety director Samantha Cockfield remained confident the state’s newly developed Visiting Driver Road Safety Program would help educate international visitors on key road safety issues.

“It is crucial that we continue to educate international visitors and tourists who plan on driving anywhere in Victoria, including the Great Ocean Road,” she said.