By Brendan Rees
Casey Council will call for an urgent review of the speed limits along the coastal towns after a pedestrian was hit in Tooradin recently.
The Tooradin Business Association (TBA) are lobbying for the changes fearing it is only a matter of time before another serious accident occurs or someone is killed.
Balla Balla Ward councillor Geoff Ablett says he will table a motion in a forthcoming council meeting asking VicRoads to conduct a review the speed limits and road signage in Warneet, Cannons Creek, Blind Bight and Tooradin.
It comes as paramedics were called to a report of a car that hit a person on the corner of South Gippsland Highway and Mickle Street, Tooradin about 5pm on Monday 19 August.
Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman Bianca Villarosa said a man believed to be in his 80s was treated for lower body injuries. He was taken to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition.
The TBA’s president Nicole George said large speed signs were needed along major roads of the coastal towns, similar to the one installed on the Baxter Tooradin Road which enters Pearcedale.
“The signs that have been erected by VicRoads do visually pop out as you enter the township letting the driver know the speed limit is 60km per hour,” Ms George said.
“But the question remains: why has this type of signage only been erected for one of the Casey coastal towns?”
Ms George said children’s safety also needed to be put first as they crossed the busy South Gippsland Hwy and Baxter Tooradin Road to go to and from school.
“It’s pivotal that there is a consistent and safe speed limit …to ensure everyone is adequately protected when they are using the roads,” she said.
Following a meeting, Ms George said Cr Ablett was supportive of erecting large 60km speed signs right through the townships, as well as an electronic sign advising drivers to prepare to stop at the opposite end of the South Gippsland Highway upon entering Tooradin.
Cr Ablett said a report will come back from VicRoads and council officers of their review.
“Traffic is only getting bigger towards Phillip Island,” he said.
“With boats and thousands of people visiting there we’re just trying to make it safer for everyone.”
