A peculiar incident has unfolded in the Adelaide Hills, where a local resident took it upon himself to alter a speed limit sign on Ambleside Road in Hahndorf. The original speed limit of 60 km/h was covertly changed to 50 km/h using basic materials, raising eyebrows among local authorities.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis expressed his astonishment, labelling the action as both “bizarre” and “illegal.” He acknowledged the resident’s intentions, yet firmly stated that such alterations are dangerous and should not be done without official processes.
Residents in the area have shown their concern regarding speeding on Ambleside Road and have generally favoured a reduction in speed limits. However, they unanimously agree that any changes should be routed through the appropriate channels instead of DIY efforts. One resident remarked, “We don’t have the right to change signs; it needs to be handled officially.”
The individual responsible for changing the sign has reportedly declined to comment when approached by media, but Koutsantonis has strongly advised against such actions, emphasising the importance of legality alongside ingenuity. He cautioned that tampering with road signs could lead to severe consequences, including potential jail time.
The post-alteration scenario has revealed further concerns, as it appears a load limit sign associated with the same road has also been tampered with—specifically, the numeral “1” in the sign denoting a 15-tonne limit has been removed, thereby suggesting a heavier permissible load.
In light of these developments, the fake speed sign has already been dismantled, highlighting the necessity for proper procedures in addressing community safety concerns. The residents await a formal review of the speed limits, while local authorities review the situation to prevent similar incidents in the future.