Speed tracker a sign of safety calls

CONCERN about drivers ignoring speed restrictions on High Street has seen the installation of a speed alert message board on the median strip near the post office at Heathcote.

The equipment will collect data on the number of vehicles passing through and how many exceed the speed limit.

Resident, Paul Goujan, first raised the issue with authorities a year ago.

“The council, VicRoads, the Department of Justice and VicRoads again but there was no response,” he said.

“I would often sit having coffee at Gaffney’s or Fodders and see vehicles travelling at what I estimated as 60 or 70kph in the 50 zone, including B-doubles.

“It is one of the busiest parts in town and I feared there would be a serious accident if something wasn’t done.”

Finally, with help from City of Greater Bendigo representative Cr Margaret O’Rourke and municipal director of presentation and assets Brian Westley, Mr Goujan contacted the Department of Transport and Heavy Vehicles.

“They were very helpful,” he said. “As was Acting Sergeant Holly Lembke.

“Having them collect data is a great start and I hope something permanent will be done to help slow drivers down.

“I would suggest something like the rumble strips like those on the Lancefield-Tooborac Road where in meets the Northern Highway, to remind drivers to slow down.”

Acting Sergeant Holly Lembke agreed the data collecting was a start.

“Drivers slow down if they see our police vehicles parked on the median strip but we can’t be there all the time,” she said.

Speed alert message board will remain facing south for a month, then will be turned north to collect data on vehicles coming the other way before being assessed for possible solutions.