Roadside crash shrines set to go

Grieving parents face being told to pull down roadside tributes to their children killed in car crashes and assaults in a policy overhaul.

News Corp Australia can reveal VicRoads could introduce tough new guidelines governing the use of crosses, flags, signs, flowers, teddy bears, football scarfs and framed photos. VicRoads said some mini shrines distracted drivers and caused undue stress to other motorists affected by the deaths.

Families of road victims have hit out at the plan.

It admitted the policy was a challenge and did not want to hurt the feelings of families. But the families of road victims have hit out at the plan.

VicRoads network planning and standards director Andrew Wall said memorials were given a 12-month period but could be assessed on a case by case basis. "VicRoads deals sensitively with requests for the establishment of roadside memorials but does not encourage their placement," Mr Wall said.

"When managing the issue of roadside memorials, VicRoads looks to balance the needs of all those impacted by the fatality with safety aspects that might be presented through any distraction created by the memorial and safe access for those visiting the memorial."

A memorial remains in place on the Princes Highway, near Geelong, where five people died in 2012 after a drunk driver was driving the wrong way along the freeway.

Amanda Wilson, whose son Nathan Kerr died in the crash, yesterday said she would be devastated if the memorial was removed. "When people see it they should be reminded that someone died on that road. I'm not going to apologise for my son's death there," Ms Wilson said.

Three roadside crosses mark the spot on a fence in Winchelsea where brothers Jai, 10, Tyler, 7, and Bailey, 2, died after their father Robert Farquharson deliberately drove off the Princes Highway to kill them in an act of revenge against ex-wife Cindy Gambino.

The boys' grandfather Bob Gambino, who mows the grass around the small white crosses, yesterday said VicRoads should get on with fixing roads. "How can someone tell people how to grieve," Mr Gambino said.

Mr Wall would not comment on what would be included as part of the review but said it would start in the next few months.