No speed cut for road

By Paul Dunlop
A ROADWORKS package worth almost $100,000 should help ease safety concerns on Gembrook Road near Pakenham Upper.
But VicRoads has stopped short of pledging to cut speed limits in the area despite residents’ fears the road is a fatality waiting to happen.
Katrina and Bill Roob and neighbours told the Gazette last week they wanted to see the speed limit cut back to 60km/h.
Their concerns were emphasised by a recent collision between a motorcyclist and a truck as well as a previous crash involving Mrs Roob, who had been turning into her Gembrook Road driveway when hit by an oncoming car.
“I am forever in fear that family members and friends who come to visit will get hurt or killed at the entrance to our driveway,” Mrs Roob said.
“Both we and our neighbours have frequently had people knocking on our door at all hours seeking assistance and to use the phone when they have come off the road and their car has landed in the roadside ditch due to the bends in the road and probably driving too fast.”
VicRoads south east regional manager Steve Brown said about $96,000 was being spent to specifically address motorcycle crashes along Gembrook Road.
Mr Brown said the works would provide safety benefits for all road users.
“Works include improvements to line marking, the installation of curve alignment markers, additional signage, including speed advisory signs, and additional guide posts,” Mr Brown said.
VicRoads would continue to monitor road safety in the area, he said.
Mr Brown acknowledged the speed limit allowed motorists to travel faster, but emphasised that did not necessarily mean they should.
“Regardless of the speed limit, it is the responsibility of all drivers to select a speed at or below the limit which is safe and appropriate to the road conditions,” Mr Brown said.
“The speed limit does not mean that motorists should travel at that speed at all times and in all conditions.”