Plans to reduce speed limits in core business and activity areas of Kyneton, Woodend and Riddells Creek for are now out for public comment.
The three town proposals aim to improve safety and most proposals are to reduce speeds to 40km/h. The plan is fully funded through the Victorian Government’s Safe Local Roads and Street Program.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s director of assets and operations, Dom Testoni, said lowering speed limits on selected roads was a small yet powerful change, to influence driver behaviour around more pedestrian-heavy areas.
“The principles that underpin the Safe System approach are that people make mistakes, people have a limited tolerance to injuries, and that safety is a shared responsibility – this proposal aims to support all three of these,” he said.
“We appreciate that some may feel lowering speed limits is an overreach or unnecessary, but no matter how adept or alert a driver you feel you are, this measure will reduce the risk of impeding factors both in and outside of our control.
“Those who have been involved in a serious vehicle incident or have sadly lost a loved one will appreciate this more than most.”
CHANGE PROPOSED
For Riddells Creek, the biggest change proposed is to reduce speed on Sutherlands Road (east side of Stephen Street to 141 Sutherlands Road) from 80km/h to 60km/h.
Five other Riddells Creek streets would change from 50km/h to 40km/h, those are: Station, Hamilton, Fitzgerald, Stephen and Sutherlands Road.
In Kyneton, Mollison Street would be reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h from Piper Street to north of Beauchamp Street.
Kyneton plans also show 25 streets that will change from 50km/h to 40km/h including Mollison, High, Jennings, Baynton, Begg, Lauriston and Market streets.
In Woodend, Brooke Street would be reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h from High Street to Wood Street. Forest Street (Jeffreys Street to High Street, and High Street to Nicholson Street) and High Street (Forest Street to Brooke Street) would be reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h.
Plans for Woodend also lower the speed limit on six stretches of road from 50km/h to 40km/h. Those streets are: Jeffreys, two sections of Collier, Urquhart, Anslow and Nicholson.
FEEDBACK WANTED
A drop-in session for Riddells Creek was held last week. A drop-in session will be held at the Woodend Community Centre on Monday, June 30 from 5.30pm to 7pm. A drop-in session will be held at council’s Kyneton Administration Centre on Tuesday, July 1, from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Feedback is invited until Monday, July 7. For a full map and details, or to comment on the proposal, visit: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/pedestrian-and-road-safety-improvements
