Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to have their say on a proposal to reduce speed limits in parts of Riddells Creek, Woodend and Kyneton.
Council said the proposal aims to improve safety for pedestrians and all road users.
According to council, studies show lowering speed limits reduces the severity of collisions and ultimately, fatalities.
For the selected towns, traffic counts show that average operating speeds are in many cases already below the proposed new speed limits, with minimal impacts expected to travel times, council said.
Lowering the current speed limits is also necessary to legally enforce the minority who do exceed them on occasion, council said.
Council 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 of 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.”
Residents can have their say at drop in sessions on Monday, June 30, 5.30-7pm, at Woodend Community Centre and Library and Tuesday, July,1, 5.30-7pm at Council’s Kyneton Administration Centre, 129 Mollison Street. Feedback is invited until Monday, July 7.
Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/pedestrian-and-roadsafety-improvements
