ROADS and Maritime Services will reduce the speed limit on Marconi Road, at Morisset, from 70kmh to 60kmh.
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State MP Greg Piper said he was not convinced the reduction was warranted.
“I have expressed my general concern that many speed limits appear to be set unreasonably low, even when roads are improved and the general safety of vehicles is improving,” the member for Lake Macquarie said.
“In this instance I am concerned that the nature of the road and surrounds gives a feeling of a road with an 80kmh speed limit, and while 70kmh has been generally adjusted to by users, 60kmh is strongly counter-intuitive.
“This is likely to see many (if not most) drivers inadvertently creep over the 60kmh limit and possibly fined.”
Mr Piper said he had asked RMS to revisit their decision and meet with him to discuss the matter.
A spokesperson for RMS said the speed reduction would be made in response to feedback from the community.
“The review was carried out in consultation with Lake Macquarie City Council and NSW Police and found the road met the requirement of a 60kmh speed zone in line with NSW speed zoning guidelines,” the spokesperson said.
“The speed limit will be changed as a result of increased development along the road, restricted sight distance at intersections and accesses.”
RMS said the new speed limit would improve safety for the community, including residents of nearby retirement villages and the school campus of Heritage College Lake Macquarie.
“A reduction in the speed zone on Marconi Road will ensure motorists drive at a safer speed on approaches to the potential conflict points and provide a safer environment for vulnerable road users,” the spokesperson said.
RMS expects to install the new speed zone signs by the end of this year. Electronic messaging signs will also be in place prior to the change.