A plan to make speed limits more consistent around Lake Wendouree remains on the table after last night's council meeting. The original recommendation was to stick with the existing status quo, which includes a mix of 40 km/ hr and 50km/hr zones around the lake. Officers also suggested a safety awareness campaign this summer on Wendouree Parade "that encourages responsible driver, cyclist and pedestrian behaviour". However, an alternate motion put forward by Cr Daniel Moloney proposed pushing for fewer switches between speed limits around the popular recreation area, which he argued was confusing and changed too many times on Wendouree Parade. "It's not ideal to have intermittent 50 km/hr sections interspersed among the 40km/hr bits," he said. "It's really quite an odd, frustrating situation for motorists." He said south side - which is where Loreto College and Pleasant Street Primary School are based - in particular had a number of switches between different limits. The 40 km/hr limit applies to areas where there is a lot of pedestrians - such as schools and the botanical gardens area - while the 50 km/hr limit is in place in general residential areas. In a report compiled by council officers, feedback from both Regional Roads Victoria and Victoria Police did not suggest changes were necessary to the speed limits as they currently stand. There were four collisions recorded on Wendouree Parade last year according to Victoria Police data, with three registered until August 7 this year. Those involved were either uninjured or suffered minor injuries. There have also been reports of injuries to wildlife around Wendouree Parade, with the area a favourite haunt of black swans in particular. It is not the first time speed limits in the precinct have been on the public agenda. Last year, the Lakes and Gardens Advisory Committee asked council to look into options to limit speeds on Wendouree Parade to 40km/hr all the way around. In the agenda for last night's meeting, council officers said data showed most drivers exceeded the limit by an average of 5-10km "regardless of the speed zone." Under the new motion put forward, new traffic data would be gathered then analysed before a final proposal is put in front of Regional Roads Victoria. The City of Ballarat has no jurisdiction over deciding speed limits, but instead has to advocate to change them. Any proposals to change the limits need to follow a "Speed Zone Process" based on data analysis. Decisions take into account the road and its typical road users, as well as existing speeds and accident history. Cr Mark Harris seconded the alternate motion. "It's frustrating that we're not the responsible authority," he said. "This is looking for a pragmatic outcome." Cr Harris said activity had changed over time. "We just have to move with those changing dynamics." The motion was passed. An awareness campaign would still take place while the new traffic survey data is collected, after which a submission to change the limits would be made. If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
WARNING: Data suggests most drivers currently travel faster than the speed limit. Picture: Kate Healy.
A plan to make speed limits more consistent around Lake Wendouree remains on the table after last night's council meeting.
The original recommendation was to stick with the existing status quo, which includes a mix of 40 km/ hr and 50km/hr zones around the lake. Officers also suggested a safety awareness campaign this summer on Wendouree Parade "that encourages responsible driver, cyclist and pedestrian behaviour".
However, an alternate motion put forward by Cr Daniel Moloney proposed pushing for fewer switches between speed limits around the popular recreation area, which he argued was confusing and changed too many times on Wendouree Parade.
It's really quite an odd, frustrating situation for motorists.
Cr Daniel Moloney
"It's not ideal to have intermittent 50 km/hr sections interspersed among the 40km/hr bits," he said. "It's really quite an odd, frustrating situation for motorists."
He said south side - which is where Loreto College and Pleasant Street Primary School are based - in particular had a number of switches between different limits.
The 40 km/hr limit applies to areas where there is a lot of pedestrians - such as schools and the botanical gardens area - while the 50 km/hr limit is in place in general residential areas.
In a report compiled by council officers, feedback from both Regional Roads Victoria and Victoria Police did not suggest changes were necessary to the speed limits as they currently stand.
There were four collisions recorded on Wendouree Parade last year according to Victoria Police data, with three registered until August 7 this year. Those involved were either uninjured or suffered minor injuries.
There have also been reports of injuries to wildlife around Wendouree Parade, with the area a favourite haunt of black swans in particular.
It is not the first time speed limits in the precinct have been on the public agenda. Last year, the Lakes and Gardens Advisory Committee asked council to look into options to limit speeds on Wendouree Parade to 40km/hr all the way around.
In the agenda for last night's meeting, council officers said data showed most drivers exceeded the limit by an average of 5-10km "regardless of the speed zone."
Under the new motion put forward, new traffic data would be gathered then analysed before a final proposal is put in front of Regional Roads Victoria.
The City of Ballarat has no jurisdiction over deciding speed limits, but instead has to advocate to change them.
Any proposals to change the limits need to follow a "Speed Zone Process" based on data analysis. Decisions take into account the road and its typical road users, as well as existing speeds and accident history.
Cr Mark Harris seconded the alternate motion. "It's frustrating that we're not the responsible authority," he said. "This is looking for a pragmatic outcome."
Cr Harris said activity had changed over time. "We just have to move with those changing dynamics."
The motion was passed. An awareness campaign would still take place while the new traffic survey data is collected, after which a submission to change the limits would be made.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
