By Jed Lanyon
The old excuse for not knowing the speed limit on country roads just won’t cut it anymore as VicRoads installed giant community gateway speed limit signage along the Warburton Highway and surrounding roads on Wednesday 28 August.
The new road signs feature at the entrances to Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction, Seville and other townships along the Warburton Highway alerting road users to significant decreases in the speed limit.
The new signs replace the standard speed limit signs as part of an $8 million Victorian government project aimed at improving safety in over 100 regional communities across the state.
Following the installation of the new signs in Woori Yallock, a spokesperson from VicRoads’ Department of Transport said, “We installed larger and eye-catching speed signs on the entrance to Woori Yallock to remind drivers to slow down as they’re entering the township.
“Similar community gateway safety upgrades in New Zealand have been proven to reduce crashes on these roads by up to 35 per cent.”
A community gateway is installed on the approach to a regional township and includes signage designating the speed limit and township name, and line marking to highlight the approach towards the township.
According to VicRoads, community gateways contribute to reducing the severity and frequency of crashes by increasing motorist awareness to speed zone changes as they approach regional communities and townships, encouraging them to travel safely.
They also encourage safe speeds to protect regional Victorian local traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.
