Vandals have broken padlocks and unlocked flood gates, prompting the City of Greater Geelong to issue safety warnings.
Gates on Flinders Avenue, Rennie Street and Windermere Road in Lara were cut while drivers have also been observed driving around ‘road closed’ signs on Elcho Road.
City of Greater Geelong Director of City Services Guy Wilson-Browne said drivers were risking their own safety and that of others by forcibly unlocking flood gates to open road access.
“Water may have receded but the gates are remaining locked in the interests of public safety,” he said.
“The roads need to be inspected to make sure they’re driveable – for example, ensuring the structural integrity of bridges that have been submerged by fast flowing water.
“Our team is carrying out these checks as quickly as possible and will open the roads as soon as they’re deemed safe.
“We know it can be frustrating and time consuming not to be able to follow the most direct route, but we ask that everyone please look after yourselves by finding alternative routes until the roads are back open.”
Victoria Police will be conducting additional patrols in Lara to ensure the road closures are being adhered to.
