Council pushes for lower speed limits

By Tania Martin
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges will commission a report on reducing speed zones in Kallista and Selby townships after continued pleas to VicRoads have fallen on deaf ears.
For years residents have been calling on VicRoads to fix black spots at the intersection of Perrins Creek and Monbulk Roads in Kallista and Belgrave-Gembrook Road in Selby.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn last week successfully asked the council to take action.
“We don’t have time to waste, we need to get something done now,” she said.
But VicRoads acting regional director Dean Zabrieszach said a review of the speed limits through Kallista and Selby had found that each speed zone was appropriate.
Mr Zabrieszach said applications for reduced speed limits through townships must be assessed on a case by case basis.
“VicRoads does not have a program to roll out any further 50km/h speed limits through townships,” he said.
Cr Dunn wants a 50 km/h speed zone through the centre of Kallista from Perrins Creek Road.
The speed limit is currently 60 km/h from Perrins Creek Road to the start of the shopping strip.
“If we can at least get the speed down to 50 km/h that would at least reduce the danger,” Cr Dunn said.
In Selby, residents have been campaigning for the past three years to improve a dangerous section of Belgrave-Gembrook Road.
Residents want a 50 km/h limit.
Julie Howard of Selby has welcomed the pending council report.
“It’s really great that the council has stepped in,” she said
Ms Howard said a report would put pressure on the State Government.
Cr Dunn said the council would look at other townships also concerned about speed zones.
“We need to raise this issue at a higher level than VicRoads,” she said.