Proposed Maroondah Highway speed limit change rallies locals

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish called on the Minister for Roads to consult with the community before dropping the speed limit along Maroondah Highway.

Ms McLeish raised the matter in parliament after being contacted by many people in the community who voiced their anger about not being involved in the decision-making process to lower the speed limit between Coldstream and Healesville.

Ms McLeish said, ““The community should be consulted before a decision like this is made.”

“The local community were not consulted about the change and they did not have an opportunity to voice how it would affect them.”

VicRoads announced road works were taking place beginning on 1 March 2020, including adding turning lanes and left-hand side barriers in high risk locations, centreline rumble strips and wide centre line treatment.

Although a number of these changes are welcome, it is the speed limit alteration and lack of communication that has locals concerned.

“Some locals believe lowering the speed limit may actually make the road more dangerous, increase driver’s frustration with those going well below the speed limit and encourage overtaking,” Ms McLeish concludes.

A petition on change.org has been signed by around 1,500 people whichs sends a message to VicRoads that many locals want to be included in decisions that affect them. The minister needs to ensure proper consultation takes place prior to changes being made. Obviously, the limits imposed on gatherings by coronavirus now makes face to face contact difficult. There are of course other options such as online town hall meetings which should be considered.