Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) is implementing changes to speed limits across residential and rural areas—splitting opinion among residents, many voicing their displeasure at the new limits.
MSC stated the adjustments were made through extensive crash data and safety research, while enhancing safety for vulnerable road users and improvements of community liveability.
“In residential areas, the aim is to enhance safety for vulnerable road users and improve community liveability. Research has shown that a pedestrian hit at 40 km/h stands a 60 per cent chance of survival, compared to just 10 per cent at 50 km/h,” the MSC’s stated.
“For rural roads where speed limits will be reduced to 80 km/h, the new limits will help mitigate the risk of fatal crashes from run-offs and collisions. Drivers at 80 km/h have significantly improved chances of survival compared to those travelling at 100 km/h.”
The changes will be prominent in the Wallara Waters residential estate in Wallan. Within the next six months all roads will be limited to 40 km/h.
Multiple roads in the Seymour Town Centre will be changed to 40 km/h across the next three months, with a section of Tallarook Street north of Whiteman Street to Station Street; Anzac Avenue from Station Street to east of Guild Street, and the entire length of Station Street, Crawford Street, McIntyre Street, Collas Street, Butler Street, Wallis Street, Bishop Street, Tristan Street, William Street and Elizabeth Street all changing.
Darraweit Road from Roulston Way to past the intersection with Old Sydney Road in Wallan will become a 60 km/h zone effective immediately, extending the existing speed limit.
Whitegate Road in Glenaroua; Broadford-Glenaroua Road, Sugarloaf Creek Road, Tallarook-Pyalong Road and Seymour-Pyalong Road will become limited to 80 km/h within three months, while Avenel Road, between Seymour-Avenel Road and the transition point to 80 km/h, will become an 80 km/h zone effective immediately.
Kobyboyn Road in Seymour will have an extension of the existing 60 km/h zone to approximately 200 metres past Red Box Court, while the remaining length will be reduced to 80 km/h, effective immediately, while a section of Dry Creek Road in Kilmore, from 300 metres north of Nannys Creek Road to 100 metres north of Smiths Lane, will also be an 80 km/h zone effective immediately.
MSC Mayor Councillor John Dougall said it was a move designed to improve road safety across the shire.
“While road maintenance is a critical factor, we understand that adjusting speed limits is a proven and immediate way to reduce crash severity. We are combining this approach with our ongoing Road Renewal Program to take a holistic approach to safety,” he said.
“By reducing speed limits in high-risk areas, we are not just complying with evidence-based road safety practices but also taking a significant step towards protecting our most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Slower speeds in these areas can be the difference between life and death.
“The changes to these speed limits are about making our community safer, not just for today but for future generations. Every second counts when it comes to safety, and we believe this change will make a real difference in reducing fatalities and serious injuries.”
Many unimpressed residents, however, took to social media to vent their displeasure when the North Central Review posted about the changes on Friday.
“Why fix the roads, when you can just slow people down?” one asked.
“I must maintain my car to be fit for the roads but when the roads aren’t fit for my car the answer is to just reduce the speed instead. Good job guys. Keep up the hard work,” another said.
Others pointed out the need for safety.
“In built up areas, it’s for safety. I’m glad as so many around Wallan think they’re on a racetrack,” one wrote.
“Have to slow them down seeing as Wallara Waters [was] built on swamp land that years ago wouldn’t have passed a building permit,” another wrote.
So we are driving slower today than we were 100 years ago when we had solid rubber tyres and every road was a dirt road. Why don’t we try enforcing some of the road rules around here like red lights, turn signals and all the other road rules that are never enforced.
As for pedestrians, that’s what footpaths are for and when crossing roads look before blindly heading across.