THERE has been a mixed response to a proposed speed limit reduction along a section of Lake Road.
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Safety concerns about pedestrians crossing Lake Road led to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to put forward the “high pedestrian activity area” proposal.
The plan would result in a 40km/h limit along Lake Road from immediately south of the Savoy Street intersection to 60m north of the Hill Street intersection.
The existing speed limit is 50km/h.
Lake Road business Mid Coast Gaming office administration worker Trish Lowe said a 40km/h limit would probably save a lot of accidents.
“There is quite a few near misses,” Mrs Lowe said.
Fellow Mid Coast Gaming office administration worker Briana Acorn said the proposal was probably a good idea given the abundance of doctors’ surgeries in the area which attracted elderly patients.
The medical precinct is also home to Port Macquarie Private Hospital.
Port Macquarie’s Fiona Kennedy walks to Lake Road.
“It would probably be safer for pedestrians to get across the road,” Miss Kennedy said.
“It is shocking at the moment.”
Liz Harris from Lake Road Chiropractic believes the council should consider restricting the proposed 40km/h zone to peak times.
“I think a lower speed limit would be not a bad idea, just in this medical precinct,” she said.
Lake Road is home to one of the town’s primary medical precincts.
Maureen Carkeek said she always parked in nearby Wyandra Crescent to avoid congestion in Lake Road.
“I think 40 is a bit drastic,” she said about the speed limit proposal.
North Haven resident Martin Shanny opposes the 40km/h proposal around the clock but said it might be worthwhile during peak times.
The works proposed to create the 40km/h zone involve pavement marking and additional signs.
Traffic calming measures exist in the area.
Mayor Peter Besseling encouraged residents to review the proposed works during the exhibition period.
“Although the proposed works do not significantly alter the existing traffic calming devices, we are giving the community an opportunity to comment on issues such as safety during the exhibition period,” he said.
The state government would put $104,269 towards the project with the council to fund the remaining $40,000.
People have until February 13 to comment in writing to: Lake Road 40km/h high pedestrian activity area, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444 or by emailing council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au