Roads ACT says warning signs about traffic light changes were "illegally removed" from a busy Civic intersection three days before an accident occurred there.
On Thursday, May 4, two vehicles collided at the intersection of McCaughey Street, Barry Drive and North Street.
One vehicle was coming out of McCaughey Street; the other out of North Street.
Witnesses to the accident said both drivers were extremely shaken up and both believed they had the green light of the traffic lights, giving them the right of way.
Roads ACT confirmed that changes were made to the traffic light sequencing three days prior to the accident, on May 1 to improve operation of the intersection.
The sequencing of the lights were changed to improve queue lengths of traffic and the ability of pedestrians to cross Barry Drive.
The change means traffic from the side streets now crosses or turns into Barry Drive at the same time; rather than alternatively.
"What used to happen is that [traffic] from McCaughey Street used to turn right and straight in one go and then it would go to North Road [from which traffic] would turn right and go straight," a spokeswoman said.
"Now, with the new arrangement, [traffic from] McCaughey Street and North Road both go right at the same time.
"Then, separately, traffic out of McCaughey Street and North Road go straight together.
"What that means is that both lots of pedestrian movements on either side of those roads can go as well. The distance pedestrians need to go across Barry Drive is reasonably long and that is what has helped get extra time into the overall timing of the phasing of the intersection."
The new sequencing would not promote collisions, she said.
A warning sign had been erected but had been "illegally removed".
The signs warned of changed traffic conditions ahead rather than saying specifically that the traffic lights had changed.
"The changes at the intersection have been monitored since their implementation and early indications reflect an improvement in queuing onto Barry Drive. The intersections performance will continue to be monitored."