Speed drop signals action

By Paul Dunlop
SPEED limits through Officer have been cut back to 70 kilometres per hour.
The 10kilometre an hour reduction is part of a package of road safety measures introduced in a bid to combat community concerns about safety, particularly at the main intersection in the town, connecting the Princes Highway with Tivendale Road and Station Street.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said the reduction followed a VicRoads investigation, on her request, to identify the most appropriate and effective means of ensuring people could cross the road without risk.
But not all residents are happy about the change, saying it only increases confusion.
Andrew McNabb, one of several Officer residents campaigning to have traffic lights installed at the intersection, said the change meant the speed limit changed five times between Beaconsfield and Pakenham.
“It’s very confusing,” he said.
Mr McNabb questioned how motorists would feel having to change from 100 kilometres per hour to 90 then 70, back to 90 and then to 80 kph all in the space of a few kilometres.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Steve Matthews said he did not expect the new speed limits to be a problem.
Sen Sgt Matthews said the speed limits were clearly marked and motorists appeared to be complying with them.
Ms Lobato said the change was a sensible and appropriate response to concerns about the speed of traffic through Officer.
The Gembrook MP said the pedestrian signals at the existing traffic lights had also been altered to give pedestrians more time to cross the highway and to allow for coordination of signals on both sides of the carriageway.
“These changes to the pedestrian signals also make it easier for cars in Tivendale Road to enter the Princes Highway, especially for those heading west across oncoming traffic,” Ms Lobato said.
Ms Lobato said work had begun to install flashing traffic warning signs to advise drivers that they were approaching a signalled pedestrian crossing.
“Work commenced on Friday and will be completed in early August,” she said.
“Cables will be laid under the road to allow for the operation of these signs.”
Ms Lobato said this additional measure, along with the reduced speed limit, would address the concerns of community members about “near misses”, with drivers not adhering to the red light.
“There has never been a traffic incident in Officer involving a pedestrian and these extra safety devices will help it remain that way,” she said.
“The change in signalling at the existing lights also has the benefit of assisting cars to turn onto the highway from the side street, and will lessen the frustration for drivers who, at times, have had to wait to continue on their journey.
“I am confident that this package of measures will address the concerns of motorist and pedestrians,” Ms Lobato said.
“We know that once the Pakenham Bypass is completed, the traffic levels on this stretch of the Princes Highway will be significantly reduced, but until that happens the site will continue to be monitored and assessed for both traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.”