In addressing "hazards such as poles and trees near roads" (The Age, 17/5), I hope that the state government's transport initiative will address one ubiquitous and often-overlooked suburban hazard. Councils across Melbourne seem obsessed with the practice of decorating roundabouts with shrubs. The aesthetic appeal of this practice is undeniable, but the traffic safety implications are diabolical, especially at major intersections during peak periods. The landscape engineers exhibit impressive skill in selecting vegetation of just the right height to obscure car indicator lights. Spices up the daily grind no end, but not good for the ticker.