By PETER DOUGLAS
RESIDENTS of Mikado Road in Mount Evelyn enjoyed a small victory after a sign was erected to help ‘out-of-towners’ find their way to Morrison Reserve.
The issue of drivers inadvertently travelling down Mikado Road came to a head during a recent Yarra Ranges Athletics meet, at which an estimated 60 cars became lost.
Many accidentally found their way into private properties, before turning around and heading off.
This is in addition to the many who travel long distances to the reserve to play soccer, and who regularly get lost.
Mikado Road resident Chris Thiele believes the influx of lost drivers is most likely due to incorrect GPS instructions.
“Soccer and athletics isn’t like Aussie Rules and played locally, many travel from around Melbourne and don’t know the area,” he said.
“The GPS takes them down the shortest route and down Mikado Road.”
Mr Thiele said residents were happy to help the lost drivers, but it was becoming an issue.
“My son, myself and some neighbours estimated about 50 to 60 cars on the Saturday, which is just crazy,” he said.
“Some come on a Friday night, a Monday night, they can be driving three at a time.
“We don’t mind helping them out, but some drive off angry at about 100km/h.”
Mr Thiele said many of the vehicles often kicked up a lot of dust.
But in a sign of good collaboration, Mikado Road residents, Yarra Ranges Shire and Yarra Ranges Athletics have worked together to establish the sign.
Mr Thiele said both he and council had written to GPS providers, including Google Maps, to have the route updated.
They are not expecting an immediate response.
However, they believe the sign alleviates confusion among drivers, as well as frustration and safety concerns among local residents.
