FRUSTRATION over recent speed limit changes on the Riddoch Highway to Port MacDonnell has already boiled over with drivers apparently choosing to run the new speed limit signs over last weekend.
Several 100kph signs were knocked over along the stretch to Port MacDonnell just weeks after they were erected, replacing the 110kph signs.
The sign damage was raised at Grant District Council’s meeting and signs were replaced during the week.
State Liberal candidate Craig Marsh did not condone the act of property damage, but said it reflected the frustration in the community.
“The community is frustrated as these changes are lowering productivity in the region because of the longer travel times they are creating,” Mr Marsh said.
“That is causing a negative flow-on effect to our economy and this is once again a reflection of the current city-centric government ignoring our region.”
In September, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) announced the speed limit would be reduced from 110kph to 100kph between Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell.
The Limestone Coast also saw speed limits reduced by 10kph on Carpenter Rocks and Clay Wells roads.
“Rather than taking a blanket approach to reducing rural speed limits across the state as initially proposed, speed reductions were determined on those roads with the worst crash history,” a DPTI spokesperson said.
“The default rural speed limit of 100kph will be applied to eight rural roads to improve road safety in regional areas.”
The decision sparked outrage among civic leaders who claimed the government should be focusing on improving roads rather than reducing speed limits.
With the state election just a few months away, Mr Marsh said reinstating the speed limits remained one of the main priorities for the Liberal Party as they aim to “recharge our region”.
“As the Liberal Party has stated publicly, we strongly opposed the speed limit changes and reinstating the 110kph limit will be one of our priorities if we are voted into government in March,” Mr Marsh said.
“We will look to fund infrastructure to maintain our roads and highways so they are safe at the speed limit they were designed for.”
Grant District councillor Greg Saunders said the speed limit change on the Riddoch Highway was still a “puzzling” one as he saw no issue with the road itself.
“I probably drive around 500km a week on that road and I have honestly never had any issues with the quality of the road,” Mr Saunders said.
“I cannot recall many accidents occurring on the road and I just think the DPTI need to have more consultation with our councils and the public before making these decisions.”
Since the signs went up a few weeks ago, Mr Saunders said there was still confusion about where the speed limit begins and ends.
“If you turn onto the road from Whitehead Road or Wynham Road heading south, there is no signage until after the Bellum Hotel, which makes it a little bit confusing,” Mr Saunders said.
“Since the changes are so fresh, people are likely to get caught out and I have no doubt it is going to be policed when the resources are available.”
