The 82-year-old man and 76-year-old woman were taken to Ballarat Base Hospital in a stable condition after smashing into a tree following a collision with another car.

The couple were briefly trapped in their silver Mercedes sedan before being freed by SES.

The driver of the offending vehicle, a black sedan, was not injured.

The incident was caused by a failure to give way.

"The-68 year-old man (in the black sedan) was travelling east down Henderson Street approaching the intersection of the Avenue and has failed to give way to another car travelling in a southerly direction,” Senior Constable Jackie Loveway said.

"They've crashed into the tree after colliding with the offending vehicle, from what we understand there was a wasp nest inside the tree, which has caused it to become quite frail and hollow, they're very lucky."

A local farmer whose land boarders on the intersection spoke to The Courier, saying the intersection is dangerous because of a mix or poor viability and poor drivers. 

“The trees really obstruct your view, you can’t see what’s coming until you’re in the middle of the intersection,” he said.

This is the second incident along the Avenue of Honour this week after Monday’s crash outside the Windermere Hotel, causing some residents to call for greater road safety measures such as roundabouts.

Avenue of Honour committee Vice vice-president Gary Snowden said they are open to the idea of putting in roundabouts at select intersections, however all other options should be explored.

“The committee doesn’t have an official position on the matter,” he said.

“Ensuring people use the roads in a safe manner is our first priority. Our minds are not closed to any public safety measures that may reduce accidents.

“The trees along the Avenue commemorate the service of Ballarat residents, so it our preference that any measured taken to not harm the trees.”

Mr Snowden also confirmed the committee would be replacing the tree and its plaque.

The Courier