Speed drop at black spot

Coroner hails lower limit after death

A TASMANIAN coroner has welcomed the pending change of speed limit on a stretch of road in the state’s North where several fatal and serious crashes have occurred.

Coroner Olivia McTaggart said Northern Crash Investigation Services had attended a disproportionate number of fatal and serious crashes on Lilydale Road and Golconda Road between Rocherlea and the intersection with Pipers Brook Road.

A police officer told the inquest into the death of Connie Stone in 2018 that one corner was particularly dangerous and consideration should be given to reducing the speed limit.

On his recommendation, the Launceston City Council applied for a speed reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h and the application was recently approved by the Department of State Growth.

“When implemented, this will represent an important safety measure in preventing further crashes,” Ms McTaggart said in her findings.

“This tragic case illustrates the importance of drivers obeying speed advisory signs, which are posted for sound driver safety reasons.”

Ms Stone, 69, died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash on December 29, 2018.

She was driving her Mercedes sedan on Golconda Road when another car travelling in the opposite direction crossed on to the wrong side of the road and collided head-on.

Ms McTaggart said the other driver was travelling at 100km/h, which was the legal limit but too fast for the conditions.

“As she exited the left-hand curve, she braked harshly causing the ABS system to engage, with the vehicle skidding on the roadway, crossing onto the wrong side of the road and into the path of Ms Stone’s vehicle.”