Speed debate for unsealed roads

Community members are being urged to have their say on gravel road speed limits.

Victoria Police assistant commissioner Doug Fryer has voiced his support for a lower speed limit on unsealed rural roads, saying it could save up to seven lives a year.

But, reports that the state government may reduce the speed limit to 70 km/h on unsealed country roads has been criticised by Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath.

Ms Bath said it was “lazy policy,” saying the Melbourne-centric government should instead commit to properly funding the maintenance and upgrade of crumbling country roads to keep motorists safe.

Following a spate of 12 fatalities on country roads over two weekends recently, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer, spoke out about the need to reduce speed limits.

Mr Fryer said the chance of dying on country roads was four times higher than in metropolitan areas.

The assistant commissioner said he was discussing the matter with road safety partners.

“What is the appropriate speed to travel on an unsealed country road? Think of driving on a major freeway at 100kmh. You have a wellpaved, consistent surface, four or more marked lanes, concrete bollards, and it’s fully lit.

“And what do you have at 100kmh on an unsealed rural road? Nothing. Gravel surfaces lined with gumtrees that seem to attract distracted drivers.

“I have a real concern about unsealed roads having a speed limit of 100kmh. In my view, it should be about 70kmh.,” Mr Fryer wrote in the Herald-Sun.

Mr Fryer estimates a reduction could save seven lives a year and reduce injuries by 70 per cent.

Ms Bath said country roads were vital to keeping Gippsland moving and connected.

“But the state government is spending less on road maintenance, causing our roads to crumble and putting lives at risk.

“We’ve already seen the limit on many sealed roads reduced to 80 km/h.

“The next lazy response from Daniel Andrews is to reduce the speed limit to 70 km/h on other country roads.

“The better solution is to provide adequate funding to maintain and upgrade our country roads,” she said.

Ms Bath said she would continue fighting for more funding for country roads across Gippsland to help keep the community safe.

“I want to hear views from the community; from people who use these unsealed roads every day.”

Ms Bath urged community members to go to www.haveyoursayvictoria.org to share their views about the proposal to reduce speed limits on unsealed country roads.