AFTER three years of lobbying, a petition and seven questions in Parliament, Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has welcomed the reinstatement of the 110kph limit on Carpenter Rocks Road.
But the independent MP has pledged to continue his advocacy efforts until the speed limit on the Mount Gambier to Port MacDonnell road is increased to 110kph.
The State and Federal governments anticipate safety upgrades on the Riddoch Highway will start later this year and works, including the final speed limit increase, is expected to be finished by April 2021.
Mr Bell said the State Liberals’ pre-election pledge to reinstate 110kph limits on eight regional roads, including Carpenter Rocks Road and the Riddoch Highway, was “halfway there” and called for the timely reinstatement of the limit.
“It has taken three years to get the 110kph speed limit reinstated but it was great to finally see the new signage go up on Carpenter Rocks Road,” he said.
“This is a major thoroughfare for the city of Mount Gambier and connecting road to our coastal communities.
“However, we’re only halfway there as now, the question is when will the Riddoch Highway from Mount Gambier to Port MacDonnell get back to 110kph.”
In the 17 months following the state election, Mr Bell has quizzed former Transport Minister Stephan Knoll in Parliament on seven occasions on when the speed limit would be reversed.
Mr Knoll’s responses ranged from “in good time”, providing lengthy explanations about country roads in general and in one sitting of Parliament, avoided answering the question entirely.
“I have asked about this matter in Question Time at least seven times and I’ll continue to request updates from the new minister for Transport until this issue is resolved for the community,” Mr Bell said.
