‘Go slow’ signs for suburb

Is saving 30 seconds on a journey worth it?

That’s the question Plimmerton Residents Association chairman Colin Bleasdale and other residents of the suburb have been asking for some time.

After identifying that dangerous speeds around their streets was a priority in the Plimmerton Village Plan as far back as 2004, action has been taken to make drivers even more aware that care should be taken.

Two weeks ago, three ‘‘slow zone’’ signs went in, at Motuhara Rd, Bath St and near the pavilion.

There is also a courtesy crossing outside the kindergarten, meaning cars and pedestrians need to rely on common sense and courtesy.

The signs don’t specifically ask motorists to travel at less than 50kmh through the village, but there is the hope it appeals to people’s ideal of respect and safety, Bleasdale said.

‘‘It’s an expectation thing and about courtesy,’’ he said. ‘‘Plimmerton gets very busy in summer, especially around school and kindergarten pick up and drop off times. That intersection [outside the shops] has five entry points and people do hoon around those corners and sometimes over the roundabout. There is concern it’s going to eventually lead to an accident. For what? Saving 30 seconds at the other end?’’

He said the association had also asked the council to remove three metres from the kindergarten side of the courtesy crossing. It was originally hoped a pedestrian crossing would go in, he said.

Other items in the plan include security cameras, a picnic area near the boating club and a car park for wind surfers.