AN increase in the speed limit along Wiltshire Lane is dividing residents.
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The increasingly busy thoroughfare, which links Delacombe and the new development of Yorkdale Estate with Ballarat, is one of nine roads where the limit has been raised to 80km/h from 70km/h.
The Courier spoke with four residents of the street. Two said the speed limit should have been decreased to 60km/h rather than upped to 80km/h, one welcomed the increase, while the fourth was in two minds.
Resident Cheryl Klemm said 60km/h would have been much more appropriate.
“I think it is a bad idea. It’s ridiculous,” Ms Klemm said.
“I’ve always thought cars go far too fast along here. I think it should be 60km/h.
“It is very busy with trucks and motorcycles. We have a lot of hoons who like to use it as a race track.”
Sharee Lee, who has lived along Wiltshire Lane for eight years said the speed limit was 80km/h before being brought back to 70km/h.
She was not overly concerned about retuning it to 80km/h but said a newly-constructed roundabout along Wiltshire Lane would make life interesting when combined with the new speed limit.
“There is a high volume of traffic especially with all the development out here,” she said. “I have to admit when I’m on the turning lane I feel like a sitting duck even at 70km/h.”
There were differing opinions even under the same roof.
Charlene Matthews and her mother Fay Jones had opposing views, with Ms Matthews in favour of the increase to 80km/h and Ms Jones in favour of a 60km/h zone.
“I’d rather it 80 than 60,” Ms Matthews said. “I think it is a good idea. All the other roads around it are 80 so it is less confusing.”
Ms Jones was concerned about children who catch the bus to school at a stop on Wiltshire Lane.
gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au