The City of Ballarat voted to delay the process at its council meeting on Wednesday night until more discussions had been undertaken between councillors and VicRoads.

A council report on the matter recommended councillors reject the concept for now, but it was given a last-minute lifeline by Cr Des Hudson.

Cr Hudson, a long-time campaigner for the implementation of a speed reduction, called on the council to defer the issue until it had consulted more closely with VicRoads. 

He said more investigation needed to be done into the implications any speed reduction would have on surrounding roads, including Mair and Dana streets. 

An officers’ report to council relating to the proposed 40km/h zone acknowledged widespread opposition and recommended the speed limit be left as it is at 50km/h. 

It also called for the introduction of changes to pedestrian signalling, including increased crossing times.

“The crash data which exists shows there are frequently casualty crashes along Sturt Street,” Cr Hudson said.

He said the high volume of traffic made it one of the more dangerous roads in the city.

“Anything that can be done to reduce the risk and make the roads safer is a positive.”

Cr Hudson said a speed reduction would greatly improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

But his motion was rejected by Cr Amy Johnson, who called for the proposal to be abandoned on the spot. 

She said residents voiced an overwhelming opposition to the idea and it needed to be dumped.

“We have been told repeatedly that the majority of residents do not support the idea. We need to be listening to what the community are telling us,” Cr Johnson said.

Community consultation by the council found two-thirds of the 569 respondents were opposed to a reduction in the speed limit. 

Less than a third were in favour.

However, it also found 62 per cent agreed pedestrian walk phase times across Sturt Street were insufficient, with 28 per cent saying the crossing time was adequate.

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au