New traffic noise test ruled out

By Jim Mynard
VICROADS will not conduct an updated traffic noise test on the Monash Freeway near Brookvale Close, Beaconsfield because the speed limit has been reduced to 80kph.
Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South, Michael Shepherdson said this during a visit to Brookvale Close by the Shadow Minister for Transport Terry Mulder on Tuesday, 29 August.
He invited Mr Mulder to visit Brookvale Close to see the situation with no noise barriers and listen to the noise.
He said Labor promised sound and safety barriers to stop the obscene noise from cars and trucks on the Princes Freeway, but hasn’t delivered. “Residents’ health is at stake from the noise and pollution and it’s even worse now that traffic on the freeway has increased by 40 per cent since 2002.”
Mr Shepherdson said that although speed limit on the freeway was reduced because of work on the Pakenham extension the noise was still noticeably high.
Brookvale resident Lorraine Ritchie said her daughter had difficulty studying at home because of intense traffic noise.
Mr Mulder said he would note comments on the situation.
“I do agree, however, that there is a significant problem here.
“I understand the issues that have been put to me,” he said.