By Romy Stephens
Calls have come for more local input regarding speed limit changes on Maroondah Highway, despite the State Government saying extensive community consultation had already taken place.
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 said she raised the matter in parliament after being contacted by numerous people in the community who voiced 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 would commence on 1 March, including adding turning lanes and left-hand side barriers in high risk locations, centreline rumble strips and wide centre line treatment.
Ms McLeish said that although most 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,” she said.
A petition on change.org has been signed by almost 1,500 people which sends a message to VicRoads that many locals want to be included in decisions that affect them.
According to the State Government, extensive consultation regarding all changes to the road took place.
“We’ve been speaking to residents, local business operators, emergency services and the council about these changes who have welcomed the suggested safety upgrades and reduction in speed,” a government spokesperson said.
“This road has a significant crash history and these improvements will save lives.”
The State Government said it met with numerous local organisations such as Victoria Police, SES, CFA, Yarra Ranges Tourism and Yarra Ranges Council.
The government claimed consultation also took place with local residents and traders, including Rochford Wines, Cherry Hill Orchard, Domain Chandon, Oakridge Wines, Coldstream Dairy and Tarrawarra Estate.
According to the State Government, these stakeholders were satisfied with proposed changes including speed reduction.
Between July 2013 and December 2018, there were 13 serious injury crashes along this section of the Maroondah Highway and three people lost their lives.
Most of the serious injuries occurred as a result of head-on collisions, due to vehicles drifting onto the wrong side of the road.
