Shires pull together to try and lower South West town speed limits

Campaigns to lower speed limits through Donnybrook, Balingup, Boyanup and Capel have gathered momentum after a visit from the Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts.

Mrs Roberts and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray met with representatives from the Donnybrook-Balingup and Capel shires to discuss dropping 10km/h from speed limits in the towns.

Donnybrook-Balingup shire president Brian Piesse said the forecasted increase of 3000 extra vehicles through Donnybrook within three years could not be ignored.

“The reduction of the speed limit by 10km/h will encourage people into the town centres and significantly improve the safety of our road users and pedestrians without any significant delay to travel time,” he said.

The Donnybrook-Balingup community submitted a petition to council the asking for the speed limits to be lowered from 50km/h in May last year.

Capel shire president Murray Scott said more trucks moving through the main streets of the towns led to approaching Main Roads to consider a reduction in speed.

“We’ve written official letters to Main Roads and they’ve basically told us to go away,” he said.

“It was a wonderful outcome to speak to Minister Roberts, she seemed really keen and receptive to what we were telling her and Mick Murray.

“It certainly gave me a bit more hope that something could be done.”

Mr Murray said he would work hard with Mrs Roberts to help the towns reduce their speed limits.

“This will include measuring the numbers of vehicles and their speed as they pass through each particular town,” he said.

“Road safety is an issue that has been raised with me by the local shires so I am pleased I was able to invite the Minister down to hear their concerns.”