Victoria proposes crackdown on roadside memorials

Roadside memorials may no longer be allowed on Victorian freeways, power poles or close to homes and should be “discreet”, as part of a proposed policy overhaul by VicRoads.

Photos of car crash victims could be banned and grieving families asked to move memorials to a different location under the new guidelines.

The existing policy has been in place for more than 15 years instructing VicRoads officers to use their discretion in managing the memorials and not remove them unless there is a safety issue, roadside maintenance or community concern.

A recent VicRoads survey showed almost two thirds of respondents supported roadside memorials however over half found them distracting.

The proposal has now been released for public feedback.

VicRoads says it understands the issue is “sensitive” and the proposal is likely to attract “mixed opinions”.

Are roadside memorials a distraction? Share your thoughts in the comments section below