MAYORS of SA rural communities met in Adelaide on Friday to discuss the state government’s decision to reduce speed limits on eight regional roads with Australian Conservatives MLC Robert Brokenshire.
Road Safety Minister Chris Picton also attended the meeting, where Mr Brokenshire requested the minister reconsider the reductions.
Mr Brokenshire was concerned the state government had opted for reduced speed limits on selected highways from 110 kilometres an hour to 100km/hr, instead of committing to road maintenance.
"The main concerns raised at the meeting were the government’s lack of consultation with local communities, and the lack of road maintenance and improvement funding," he said.
"Vegetation is too close to highway roadsides and therefore kangaroos are a problem, which then becomes a road safety problem, so there is more at play then a reduced speed limit by 10km/hr."
Southern Mallee District Council mayor Andrew Grieger put forward his view about speed reductions on Browns Well Highway, which runs from Pinnaroo to Loxton, and Ngarkat Highway, which connects Pinnaroo to Bordertown.
"It was an opportunity to give our side of the story and ask for a fair go to country people," he said.
Mr Grieger said that although he agreed the roads were in need of a surface repair, only a section of the two highways should have the speed limit reduced to 100km/hr.
"There is a specified area on both highways that is close to Pinnaroo that could do with the lower speed limit because of how badly they are in need of repair, but the rest should remain at 110km/hr,” he said.
"The minister certainly listened, but said the decision had been made so I do not expect to see a change.”
District Council of Kimba deputy mayor Graeme Baldock has written to Mr Picton regarding their local major regional link, the Kimba to Cleve road.
"Instead of paying for basic road repairs, they would rather reduce speed limits but it is not the answer and will not make the roads any safer," he said.
"If the government are serious about safety they would address all of the safety issues country people face on the road.”
Mr Brokenshire hoped the government listened to the delegation on behalf of rural communties and choose to keep speed limits at 110km/hr.
"I hope to hear from the minister in the next three to four weeks, if not I will be making contact," he said.
"I am also looking to move an amendment to the relevant road act, to say the government must consult with councils, local communities and road safety committees before they announce reducing speed limits."
