Golden Plains Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to lower the speed limit on a section of Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road in Ross Creek to improve road safety.
Following requests from several residents, Council is proposing to lower the speed limit on Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road given its history of crashes, speeding behaviour identified by Victoria Police and a number of busy intersections. Under the proposal, the speed limit would be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h along a 3.5-kilometre section between the end of the existing 80km/h speed zone west of Vaggs Road and the City of Ballarat boundary northeast of the intersection with Bells Road.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby encouraged local residents to share their thoughts on the proposed speed reduction.
“The growing population in our Shire’s north is leading to increased traffic along Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road, which is a popular road corridor towards Ballarat.
“With the road linking Smythesdale and Ross Creek, it’s important that we ensure that the road remains safe for residents and drivers, which is why Council is seeking feedback on reducing the speed limit to 80km/h.
“This feedback will be used to see if Council further pursues the speed change and will also support Council’s lobbying efforts for Government funding for further safety improvements on the busy road.”
Community members and road users are invited to provide feedback on the proposed speed reduction online, by email or by post from 16 September to 11 October 2021. Feedback can be provided by:
- Completing an online form at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
- Emailing [email protected]
- Mail to the Manager Asset Services, Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331 - marked 'Urgent - submission'
Submissions close at 9am, Monday 11 October, 2021.
If Council determines to proceed with the proposal, Council will finalise an application with the Department of Transport to have the speed limit reduced. This process is expected to take some time before any potential changes take effect.