Signs to slow down

By Bridget Brady
CRANBOURNE traders are calling for the speed limit to be lowered on High Street to create a better shopping environment and improve the possibility of alfresco dining.
Many motorists do not obey the 60 kilometre per hour speed limit on High Street that sometimes results in a dangerous situation for pedestrians, Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Judy Davis said.
Ms Davis said introducing electronic signs on High Street, which would restrict the speed limit between Codrington Street to Stawell Street to 40 km/h during certain hours, would go a long way to decrease the noise from cars and trucks and make shopping more enjoyable.
“This is something that I hear from all the traders on a regular basis,” Ms Davis said.
“People have to understand we have a lot of young families and it only takes one split second for them to just get away from mum and dad and get onto the road.”
Casey council this week voted to write to local MPs and seek support for funds to be allocated for the variable message signs which would be cost about $130,000.
Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon said signage could also be erected to remind people to slow down when they approached the town centre.
“This could be a really good outcome for business,” Cr Stapledon said.
“The shopping here is fantastic but we just need to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
“It will address the needs of the business and local community in the short to medium term and may give some weight to the council’s support for a much-needed Cranbourne bypass.”
Ms Davis said she would like to see the introduction of alfresco dining on Cranbourne’s main street but said the current speeding traffic and noise from trucks did not make it an attractive option for customers.
The issue of trucks on High Street would not be solved unless a Cranbourne bypass was built, Cr Stapledon said.
“You don’t want to be sitting out there having a coffee with all that racket,” Ms Davis said.
“And it’s very important we need people to be able to feel safe when they are walking down the street.”
Ms Davis said she would eventually like to see the speed limit lowered to about 50km/h on High Street.
“A bypass would take all the big trucks off High Street.
“But whatever we can do, the better it is for Cranbourne.”