Gisborne fatal sparks safety review call

Cr Russell Mowatt recently expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's slashing of road maintenance funding. Picture Shawn Smits.

A fatal crash has sparked calls for safety at an intersection on the outskirts of Gisborne to be reviewed.

As reported by Star Weekly, a Mount Macedon teenager was killed after a car and a truck collided on Gisborne-Kilmore Road on June 12.

The boy, 16, was a passenger in the car that was involved in a collision at the intersection of Saunders Road about 4.20pm.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was flown to hospital in a critical condition. The driver of the truck was not hurt.

Macedon Ranges councillor and former roads campaigner Russell Mowatt said increased traffic and a nearby school bus stop meant the intersection warranted scrutiny.

‘‘The way it is, you can come from a complete stop to a 100km/h zone,’’ Cr Mowatt said.

‘‘People are left trying to anticipate the speed of other cars.

‘‘I do think something needs to be done. We need to mitigate any future risk.’’

Cr Mowatt said the reduction of speed limits by 20km/h to 80 was among changes that should be considered.

Macedon Ranges highway patrol’s Sergeant Geoff Neil said that while he did not consider the need for changes to be ‘‘pressing’’, it was an intersection that motorists should be wary of.

‘‘It is certainly being used by more heavy vehicles than it used to,’’ Sergeant Neil said.

‘‘It’s also slightly offset – maybe it could be better delineated for drivers.’’

Sergeant Neil said there could also be a case for “give way” signs on the approach to be replaced with stop signs.

VicRoads regional director Mal Kersting said there were six recorded casualty crashes at the intersection in the 10 years to June, including the recent fatality.

He said the intersection was in an open, rural environment and offered motorists approaching from Kilmore or Pierce roads a good line of sight in both directions.

‘‘Although we have no immediate plans for changes to the intersection, VicRoads is always exploring options to improve safety for all road users and will continue to monitor this intersection,’’ Mr Kersting said.