Jessica Micallef
A successful community campaign has led the way for a speed limit change in Toolern Vale.
The speed limit on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road between Gisborne-Melton Road O’Connell Avenue has been reduced from 80km/ to 60km/h.
Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road stretches through the centre of the Toolern Vale township, with a school general store and housing on one side, and a recreation reserve on the opposite side.
The change of speed limit will come into effect when new speed limit signs are installed in mid-2020.
Impact on travel time is expected to be minimal.
A petition was launched in December last year by Toolern Vale locals, calling for the speed limit to be reduced to 60km/h on the road.
The campaign had the backing of Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and Melton MP Steve McGhie
Ms Thomas said the speed limit reduction would help improve safety, especially for pedestrians trying to cross the road.
“The Toolern Vale community have advocated tirelessly to see this important change made and I want to acknowledge everyone who have signed the petition to make it happen,” she said.
Mr McGhie said the speed limit change would allow motorists to approach the township at a safer speed and a better chance to check for pedestrians near the road.
“Melton residents use this road regularly and it is great to know this speed limit change will make the road safer for everyone in this community,” he said.
Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road connects Melbourne’s outer western suburbs to regional towns including Gisborne and Bacchus Marsh.
