Pick up the pace, Princes

Drivers want faster freeway

GEELONG motorists are calling for the Princes Freeway speed limit to be lifted to 110km/h as advice before the State Government states point-to-point speed cameras wouldn’t do enough to improve safety on the road if the speed is increased.

The government has used a Monash University Accident Research Centre ( MUARC) report to rationalise its decision not to increase the speed limit from 100km/h on the freeway.

At least two more fatal crashes and 25 more serious injury crashes would occur in the next decade if the speed limit on the freeway between Werribee and Waurn Ponds was lifted, according to the report.

The report also found introducing point-to-point speed cameras in a future 110km/h zone would have little effect in reducing road trauma.

The MUARC report found one additional road death, 15 serious injuries, 19 casualty crashes, and an additional $16.4 million in crash costs would be lumped on to the community in the next decade if a 110km/h zone was combined with speed cameras.

After the State Government refused to lift the limit if reelected, Addy readers have called for an increase.

“We’re one of the few countries in the world to stick with 100km/h. Makes you wonder when we will come out of the dark ages,” Michael Brennan said.

Richard Evans said: “More likely it will send (the State Government’s) budget into the red from getting less fines.”

Max Lomax said: “If you’re incompetent enough to think going 100km/h on that highway in a modern vehicle is adequate, you really should be sitting on a train.”

A VicRoads review found drivers would save just one minute and 18 seconds between Werribee and Corio if the speed limit was increased.

MUARC professor Max Cameron said: “Estimated increases in trauma and crash costs over 10 years represent minimum estimated increases because growth in traffic volumes over the next 10 years would be expected to lead to greater increases in trauma.”

A State Government spokesman said safety concerns outlined by MUARC relating to a 110km/h zone on the Princes Freeway would not prompt changes in other 110km/h areas.

The Opposition has pledged to raise the speed limit on the Princes Freeway to 110km/h between Werribee and Corio if successful at the November election.

Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan said an increase would risk more motorists being injured or killed.

“The experts tell us that raising the speed on this road would see 39 more people killed or injured over the next 10 years,” Mr Donnellan said.

“I won’t do it and anyone who does will have to live with the knowledge they have contributed to more deaths on our roads.”