VicRoads confirmed it is currently investigating future safety improvements along Remembrance Drive including a short-term option of cutting the speed along with other long-term measures.

Regional director Ewen Nevett said the authority was in consultation with the City of Ballarat  Victoria Police, Heritage Victoria and the Avenue of Honour Committee to develop the best solution. 

“One short-term option we're considering is a possible speed limit reduction to 80km/h, which is a proven safety measure to reduce the risk and severity of crashes,” Mr Nevett said.

“We are currently collecting data to understand traffic use on Remembrance Drive, including vehicle speeds, traffic volumes and growth and the types of vehicles on the road.” 

In 2016 two people were killed along the stretch of the road, while four people were seriously injured between 2011 and 2016. Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary said the area “high trauma hot spot” was patrolled by police.

Councillor Daniel Moloney, who called for a report into the road at a recent council meeting, said the VicRoads investigation was a positive step forward. 

“Those infrastructure improvements backed by enforcement are a really good positive step forward,” Mr Moloney said.  

“The only bad option is doing nothing and that is why I think it’s great that VicRoads is heading down this path.”

Council’s acting director of infrastructure and environment Darren Sadler said council would collaborate  with VicRoads and stakeholders to consider potential treatments along the Remembrance Drive corridor.

VicRoads will analyse collected data to informs its decision about potential safety infrastructure in the area. Mr Nevett said the data would be released to the community in April followed by community consultations. The authority would not say if roadside barriers were being investigated as an option. 

Mr Moloney acknowledged the importance of the avenue’s heritage and history – but life-saving precautions must be undertaken. 

“I am conscious that the avenue committee are not in favour of the barriers, but ultimately if they protect human life at the core but also protect the trees then we would have to think of it as a win-win situation.”