Moira Shire Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to road safety with the implementation of a reduced speed limit on Labuan Road.
This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to address the alarming frequency of fatal or serious injury incidents within our Shire.
The reduction in speed limit underscores Council’s dedication to exploring all options and taking serious action to effect positive change in road safety. Evidence of poor driver behaviour on Labuan Road necessitates immediate and decisive measures to enhance safety for all road users.
John Tanner AM, Chair of the Panel of Administrators, expressed Councils commitment to road safety.
“We acknowledge that this decision may be met with opposition from some residents, but we make no apologies for prioritising road safety. Tough decisions are necessary to protect lives and prevent further tragedies,” Mr. Tanner said.
“Over the past decade, the Council stretch of Labuan Road alone has witnessed 7 casualty crashes and 2 fatalities, excluding the recent incidents on the Murray Valley Highway.”
The decision aligns with the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2030, which aims to create safer rural roads and decrease the frequency and severity of crashes.
Furthermore, Council anticipates that the speed reduction will lead to a change in the preferred route suggested by navigation applications like Google Maps, resulting in a decrease in non-local traffic using Labuan Road to travel through our Shire.
While the speed limit reduction is an initial step, Council have further plans in place to strengthen safety along Labuan Road.
To further address road safety concerns, Moira Shire Council is actively seeking funding of up to $2 Million through the Commonwealth Infrastructure Investment Blackspot Program. These funds, if granted, will be allocated to improving road safety along Labuan Road in the upcoming 24/25 financial year. Additionally, Council is conducting investigations into the replacement of several single-lane bridges over irrigation channels that are near the end of their useful life.
John Tanner AM made a plea to the community to slow down and look after one another on the roads, especially leading up to our busy spring and summer period.
“This is not about punishment, this is not about revenue making, this is about people just slowing down and saving lives,” he said.
“We’ve got Cup Day coming up, we’ll have people visiting the area, please drive carefully, we’ve all got a responsibility to do that. Let’s do it.” Mr Tanner continued.
