General News
1 February, 2024
40kmh zone coming to town next week
NEW 40kmh speed limit signs are expected to be erected in Inglewood next week. The speed limit reduction was to have been in place by yesterday but a Transport Department spokesperson told the Loddon Herald there had been a delay changing signs in...
NEW 40kmh speed limit signs are expected to be erected in Inglewood next week.
The speed limit reduction was to have been in place by yesterday but a Transport Department spokesperson told the Loddon Herald there had been a delay changing signs in Brooke Street and on Calder Highway entrances to the town.
Development and tourism committee president Peter Moore said the new zones could not come quickly enough.
“For the safety of motorists, pedestrians and shoppers, we need the new speed limits in place without delay.”
The Inglewood community has been campaigning since early last year for better safety through its shopping strip.
An announcement in November by Ripon MP Martha Haylett said new limits would be in place for Inglewood by the end of January.
Ms Haylett also said Wedderburn’s shopping strip speed zone would be cut to 40kmh by the end of December.
Wedderburn’s new signs were erected within 48 hours of the announcement and that community is still pushing for pedestrian crossing lights in High Street to improve safety of people crossing the busy Calder Highway.
Mr Moore said the Inglewood community still wanted flashing speed check signs erected in the town to remind motorists of the speed they were travelling.
He said traffic over the summer period again highlighted the need to maximise the safety and speed message to people driving through town.
Anthony Judd, Executive Director (Loddon Mallee and Hume), Department of Transport and Planning, said“We’re introducing a new 40km/h speed limit along the Calder Highway in the Inglewood town centre from early next week to improve safety for everyone.”
“We ask drivers to familiarise themselves with the new speed limit when driving through the town centre for their own safety and the safety of other road users.”
The department said:
The Department of Transport and Planning will be introducing a safer speed limit on the Calder Highway in Inglewood during the week commencing Monday 5 February 2024, weather permitting.
A 40 km/h speed zone will be in place in Inglewood between Grant Street and Houston Street, reduced from 50 km/h.
This change follows community calls for a speed review to support a town precinct where pedestrians and vehicles can share the road safely.
Speeds will also be reduced in the lead up to the new 40 km/h zone in Inglewood to provide safe and improved access to properties.
Pedestrians and cyclists are more at risk when involved in a crash because they don't have any protection which is why 40 km/h limits are often used in busy shared areas.
The highway is especially busy during harvest season with the road providing an important link between Melbourne and Mildura.
Please look out for the new speed limits and travel safety through the area.