Speed drop still possible

A lower speed limit through Waroona’s main street may not be off the agenda.

Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts confirmed that 40kmh zones being trialled in four towns along the South Western Highway, could be rolled out in other South West towns.

In January, Ms Roberts and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti announced a three-month trial to lower speed limits from 50kmh to 40kmh on stretches of the highway through Boyanup, Donnybrook, Balingup and Bridgetown.

Waroona, among other towns, was not included in the trial.

In a speech to Parliament on February 20, Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke raised a grievance about the exclusion of Waroona and Coolup.

Ms Roberts said she had not been aware of concerns about Waroona’s main street speeds, but was willing to work with local governments proposing similar speed reductions.

“An evaluation of the trial will be conducted by the working group and where there is strong support by local governments and communities for other towns to be included, I hope that government can give positive consideration to the request,” Ms Roberts said.

Mrs Clarke said once the trial was completed Waroona could be considered.

“The road trauma council are doing trials in the South West and once those trials are complete, they will be looking to roll it out in Waroona,” she said.

Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley was pleased towns in the Waroona shire could be included in future speed reductions.

“We appreciate Robyn Clarke’s efforts in raising this issue with the Minister,” he said.

Ms Roberts highlighted the positive response to the speed-reduction trial so far.

“It is a very small reduction in speed from 50 kilometres an hour to 40 kilometres an hour through those towns, but it makes a big difference to the stopping distance of a vehicle,” Ms Roberts said.