Geelong could have a greater number of 40km/h speed zones, according to roads minister Terry Mulder.
Mr Mulder unveiled plans to roll out more 40km/h zones across the state in targeted areas to improve safety for pedestrians around schools and shopping/entertainment zones.
He identified the popular shipping strips of Pakington St and Shannon Ave, Geelong West as zones where the speed limit could be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h.
“The 40 km/h pedestrian speed limits will now be able to be extended to major roads which are some distance away from schools but where children still cross.
“At present, school 40 km/h zones apply only where a school gate directly accesses a road. However, there are some areas where high numbers of pedestrians are crossing major roads to get to schools.
“These are the areas where lower speeds may be required during certain times of the day.”
He said VicRoads had developed guidelines for identifying the higher risk locations, taking into account speed, the number of school-aged pedestrians, the number of lanes to be crossed, traffic volumes, the number of heavy vehicles, the crossing type and the sight distance.
Mr Mulder said he expected another 40 to 50 locations across Melbourne and Victoria would be eligible for 40 km/h school speed zones.
He said more zones could be “time based” instead of having a static reduced limit sign.
“In regional Victoria, Tuckfield Street in Ocean Grove – near the Marlin Drive schools precinct – is also a potential area where there could be the need for a reduced speed limit for a school zone.
“Most of these crossings already have a crossing supervisor because they are on busy roads.”
