Speed zone rethink - VIC

[MAD]

Spotted this today in the paper and almost fell off my chair.... something that makes sense!

Originally Posted by Herald Sun

Speed zone rethink
Liam Houlihan
23dec05

SPEED limit buffer zones around country towns and urban fringes would be dropped under plans before the State Government.

Hundreds of 80km/h zones would be raised to 100km/h.

And controversial 40km/h zones outside schools would be restricted to daylight hours, according to plans seen by the Herald Sun.

The proposed changes follow public anger over the slowing of traffic in Melbourne and confusion over the maze of different speed zones around the state.

Speed limits on some roads change as many as 10 times in a 6km stretch.

The government's Speed Limits Advisory Group has recommended changes to approaches to towns and built-up areas where motorists are required to slow from 100km/h to 80 to 60.

The plan proposes they continue at 100km/h until they hit the 60km/h zone.

New "60 AHEAD" signs would replace the old 80km/h signs.

The changes would mirror the system in place in New South Wales.

They would be put into place from late next year if approved by Transport Minister Peter Batchelor.

Mr Batchelor, who commissioned the speed limit review, is still considering the recommendations, his spokeswoman said.

RACV public policy manager Ken Ogden, a member of the review group, said the changes would dramatically cut the Government's speed camera revenue.

He said motorists were tired of being fined when the speed limits were complex and confusing.

"It's important to get the public back on side. The public attitude is that it's all entrapment. It's just gone completely crazy," he said.

Under the changes, permanent 40km/h limits at many school zones would only apply during school hours.

Super-sized 40km/h signs would be erected at some schools and speed limits painted on roads.

A source said the changes would cost more than $40 million.

A government website states community concern as the reason for the speed limit review.

"Why are they being reviewed? It is vital that all speed zones are safe, effective and easily understood. The community has expressed some concern about some aspects of speed zones," the site says.

Premier Steve Bracks has previously said concerns had been raised that frequent changes in speed zones could cause confusion.