GET set for a speed change on Warrnambool’s main entry roads, with sections of Raglan Parade and Caramut, Mortlake and Wangoom roads likely to be slowed down by 10 kilometres an hour.
The development came as Roads Minister Terry Mulder unveiled a four-year program to reduce the confusion of multiple speed zones across the state.
One of the key planks will be to abolish most 70 and 90 km/h signs, as well as 80 km/h buffer zones, and to clarify 40 km/h zones.
Warrnambool’s main thoroughfare, Raglan Parade (Princes Highway), spanning about seven kilometres at 70 km/h between Dennington and Mahoneys Road, will be a key focus locally.
VicRoads said no decision had been made yet and it would be seeking input from the community and city council on appropriate measures.
City infrastructure director Peter Robertson said it was likely the Raglan Parade speed would be reduced to 60 km/h in high pedestrian activity areas and increased to 80 km/h in others.
“This issue is yet to be resolved,” he said. “It also applies to Caramut, Mortlake and Wangoom roads.”
Mayor Jacinta Ermacora welcomed the VicRoads’ commitment to consult first.
“I believe we need to increase safety by reducing speeds at our city entrances and simplifying the speed zones,” Cr Ermacora said.
“I can only hope VicRoads will implement these changes quickly.
“With the growth in our city many of our residents are frustrated at the number and different speed zones and concerned about the additional traffic on our main roads.
“Residents know their local roads and pick up on danger points.
“This will be combined with crash statistics.”
There have been calls by Cr Peter Hulin in recent years for Raglan Parade traffic to be slowed, particularly the CBD links between Banyan and Henna streets.
A VicRoads spokeswoman told The Standard 70 and 90 km/h zones would be phased out except where deemed best to remain unchanged, for example on metropolitan Dandenong Road.
“It will be done on a case-by-case basis in consultation with local communities,” she said.
“We would invite people to have their say through their local council. The first signs across the state to be changed will be those identified and approved following the 600-plus submissions we received.”
However, opposition roads spokesman Luke Donnellan said Mr Mulder’s report was unfinished and there was still considerable work to be done on establishing guidelines.
“In theory the idea of simplifying zones is good, but this report is half-baked,” Mr Donnellan said. “If you remove the 80km/h buffer zones it will just result in more revenue raising from speeding fines.
‘‘One approved submission involves simplifying the approaches to Winchelsea with the 80km/h zone replaced with an advisory “60km/h ahead”.
pcollins@standard.fairfax.com.au