Schoolchildren from the nearby Canadian Lead Primary School walk down the street

and residents said they had seen a number of near misses between vehicles.

The speed limit is currently set at 60 km/h, but many residents believe a 50km/h limit in the area is justified given the build-up of residential homes and pedestrian numbers. 

The Courier met with some of the residents on Friday to discuss their concerns, which they said they had raised with multiple City of Ballarat councillors.

Resident Jo Anderson is one of many in the area who are have voiced concerns over an apparent lack of action on the problem. 

“Someone is going to get hurt – either a pedestrian or a resident,” she said. “Prime movers use the street regularly.”

Residents have even conducted an online survey in the area, which saw a large number of people agreeing the speed limit was too high. 

Due to concerns raised by the residents, City of Ballarat general manager of city infrastructure Eric Braslis said there had been an investigation into traffic along the street, including traffic counts and a comparison of traffic volumes. 

“Last month, council’s Road Safety Advisory Committee acknowledged and supported Clayton Street’s status as a traffic route and the speed limit of 60 km/h on the road,” he said. 

“As on all roads, it is important all drivers adhere to legal speed limits.

“Residents who witness negative driver behaviour are encouraged to report it via the Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline.”

Despite this, Ms Anderson said a traffic counter had been placed in an area where cars had already turned off to go to the school. 

Advisory speed signs have also recently been installed at one bend in the street in an attempt to get drivers to slow down. 

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au