General News
9 December, 2024
New signs of the time
THE Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has responded to claims of “community outrage” over newly installed speed limit signs on Macrossan St, saying community safety is paramount.
In what some local businesses owners have likened to “a storm in a tea cup”, some community members have expressed their online distaste at the new signs, although many have simply made light of the keyboard warriors’ concerns.
Nearby business owners, who did not wish to be identified, told the Gazette that they were unsure what all the fuss was about.
“I didn’t even notice the new signs,” said one, “I’m not sure what the problem is.”
A TMR spokesman told the Gazette that speeding was one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on Queensland’s roads.
“The speed limit on two sections of Port Douglas Rd (known locally as Macrossan St) was reduced earlier this month to improve safety,” he said.
“This was part of the ‘vulnerable road users program’, a Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) statewide initiative to enhance safety measures in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as town centres.”
TMR said they had carried out a speed limit review which recommended the speed be reduced on Macrossan St to improve pedestrian safety.
“The speed limit reduction was endorsed by Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Douglas Shire Council (DSC), and notification was provided to the community prior to the speed limit change being implemented,” the spokesman said.
“The speed limit reduction included installation of speed zone entry pavement markings at designated locations to alert motorists of the different speed zones.
“Line and pavement markings are managed under TMR’s maintenance program, which includes repainting.
“The pavement markings were installed in accordance with TMR guidelines and are effective in making motorists aware of the initial change of a speed zone in an area.”
The spokesman said that TMR continually liaised with key stakeholders such as local government and QPS for traffic management of local areas, including Macrossan St.
“Any future changes to line or pavement marking on Macrossan St will be considered in consultation with Douglas Shire Council and QPS in accordance with TMR’s ‘manual of uniform traffic control devices and Austroads and would be carried out as part of TMR’s maintenance program,” they said.
“We encourage motorists to drive to conditions and posted speed limits at all times.”
Read More: Port Douglas
