COONAWARRA vigneron Brian Smibert has backed calls for a speed limit review along the world famous winery tourism strip to improve safety.
Mr Smibert – who operates the picturesque Whistle Post winery that flanks the Riddoch Highway – said speed combined with inattention were a “major problem.”
His comments come amid a new RAA report into the region’s road network.
The investigation warned the Coonawarra winery trip was potentially a “recipe for disaster” given the route attracted tourist traffic and heavy vehicles.
The report calls for the current 110kph speed limit to be reduced to 80kph.
Speaking to The Border Watch yesterday, Mr Smibert said he would welcome a lower speed limit between Penola and north of Coonawarra given traffic flowing in and out of wineries.
“People are just uneasy – especially tourists. They are wary of the speed of the trucks passing through,” Mr Smibert said.
“We are lucky to have a wide strip on the side of the road that people use to turn – they probably are not supposed to turn there so more turning lanes may help.
“If the speed limit was reduced, I am sure people would be happier.”
Mr Smibert said the potential hazardous nature of the highway often sparked comments from visitors.
“We have had tourists come in and comment on the road and its dangers,” the winery operator said.
“People are used to driving at 60kph in the city alongside trucks, which is fine, but at 110kph when someone is turning with trucks it is a different story.
“I think the condition of the road is good, we always want more money spent on the road but we need to think how big is the bucket.”
He said one of the biggest issues with road users through Coonawarra was “inattention”.
