Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, and residents of Fountaindale are calling on the Minister for Regional Roads and Transport to reconsider a request to lower the speed limit along Peach Orchard Rd.
Mehan said lowering the speed limit from 60km/h to 50km/h would make the area safer for both residents and the area’s abundant wildlife, with the lack of footpaths exacerbating safety concerns.
He said a number of representations had been made to both Central Coast Council and the Minister about the concerns of the community.
“The Minister’s response to lowering the speed limit to 50km/h, as would be consistent with the rest of the area, was that ‘Peach Orchard Road’s speed limit of 60km/h is considered appropriate’,” he said.
“Council subsequently advised that additional signposting of the current speed limit of 60km/h would be installed on either side of the road.”
But Mehan said the abundant wildlife in the Chittaway Creek Valley would be better protected by a lower speed limit.
“All the urban areas in the community have a speed limit of 50km/h; this street should be no different,” he said.
“The response to the community’s request is disappointing.
“The Minister needs to reassess his decision and consider the safety issues raised by residents.
“Residents’ concerns are heightened as there are no footpaths for pedestrians, which is a safety hazard, and certainly not currently being addressed by the Minister.”
Mehan said a lower speed limit would also make the area safer for wildlife.
Source:
Media release, Nov 21
Member for The Entrance, David Mehan