New speed limits on major Ballarat roads

SPEED limits on several main roads in Ballarat have changed, with reductions of 10km/h and 20km/h taking effect on Monday.

Among the most significant is a reduction from 70km/h to 60km/h on a 2.4-kilometre section of Sturt Street in Alfredton, from Pleasant Street to Learmonth Street, which passes four secondary schools.

Other changes are on Victoria Street in Ballarat East, where a 2.4-kilometre section between Fussell and Humffray streets has also gone from 70km/h to 60km/h; a one-kilometre stretch of Main Road from Humffray Street to Bradshaw Street drops from 60km/h to 50km/h; and a reduction from 60km/h to 50km/h along a 900-metre section of Grant Street between Barkly and Doveton streets.

On Barkly Street, a 1.1-kilometre stretch between Victoria Street and Grant Street has changed from a mix of 60km/h and 40km/h zones to a consistent 50km/h.

The Department of Transport and Planning, which is responsible for setting speed limits, said in a statement that the alterations were “in response to a high number of enquiries from the community and the relevant crash history on these sections of roads”.

It said a number of factors were considered when making the changes, including the number and type of vehicles using the roads and their historical safety records.

“Speed limits are subject to a rigorous review process and are considered on a case-by-case basis,” the statement said.

The department’s Barwon South West and Grampians executive director, Michael Bailey, said setting speed limits is a balancing act aiming to keep vehicles moving and people safe.

“That’s why we’ve introduced safer speeds at key locations across Ballarat, helping to protect school kids, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users,” he said.

“By making sure the speed limit is right for the road, we can help prevent crashes from happening and reduce the severity when they do happen.”

Speed limits are set by teams of road safety specialists who review limits against the department’s Speed Zoning Policy and Speed Zoning Technical Guidelines.