A dedicated 40km/h speed zone in the Port Macquarie town centre is a step closer.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will partner with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to implement the 40km/h speed zone.
It follows the development of concept plans and community engagement about proposed improvements to pedestrian facilities in the town centre.
The public commented on six proposals and community feedback was used to develop recommendations.
The concept plan proposed a 40 km/h zone bound by, but not including, Gordon Street, Kooloonbung Creek, the Hastings River foreshore and Murray Street.
A council report said Gordon Street was the main east-west through route and retention of a higher speed limit would encourage through traffic to pass around the periphery of the town centre rather than through the middle.
The council’s partnership with RMS to implement a 40km/h speed zone in the Port Macquarie town centre will involve reviewing and refining zone boundaries, a community education campaign, signs and pavement markings.
Holidaymakers Kathy and Gilbert Labour support the move.
“Even though you are a small place, I find the traffic here confronting,” Mrs Labour said.
“I really have to stop and watch and be very careful.”
She said a 40km/h zone would increase pedestrian safety.
Mr Labour agreed the lower speed limit was a good idea.
Port Macquarie already has three 40 km/h areas along Owen Street, Lake Road and Bay Street at Settlement City.
RMS sets speed limits in the state according to NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines.
Meanwhile, the council will consider including in the draft 2019/2020 operational plan an allocation to construct a pedestrian refuge on Hayward Street, west of Horton Street, and pedestrian refuge improvements at the intersection of Gordon Street and Hollingworth Street.
Councillors removed from the funding consideration list a pedestrian crossing at Hayward Street, east of Short Street.
The council will consider the inclusion of funding in the draft 2019/2020 operational plan to undertake further design and community engagement work for a pedestrian refuge on Horton Street between Clarence Street and William Street.
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