June 20, 2014
Speed limits along the D’Aguilar Highway between Moore and Benarkin have been reviewed by the State Government, but drivers haven’t been given the green light to drive any faster across the Blackbutt Range.
In fact, two 80km/h zones along the highway have been reduced to 60km/h.
The stretch of road formerly had speed limits of 100km/h, 80km/h and 60km/h.
The State Government’s Speed Limit Review found that parts of the highway that climbs the Blackbutt Range could be considered for an increased 70km/h speed limit but, overall, the stretch was a winding steep road with the majority of curves appropriate for 60km/h.
“On this basis it has been recommended that the existing 60km/h limit on the range remain,” the review found.
“The review recommended the short sections of 80km/h buffer zones be replaced at either end of the climb with 60km/h ahead signs.”
This will reduce five speed zones to three.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington welcomed the Speed Limit Review .
She said the change had been announced in the first round of state-wide speed limit review results announced by the State Government today.
“Community feedback during the review revealed there were too many changes to speed zones on the D’Aguilar Highway between Moore and Benarkin, so speed zones will be reduced from five to three on this stretch,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I drive this section of the D’Aguilar at least two or three times per week and I know this change will make it much easier and safer. The existing speed limits will be retained but the two short 80km/h stretches will be removed. This is a really common sense change.”
Mrs Frecklington said more than 3300 Queenslanders had their say on speed limits across the State’s highways, motorways and roads.
“Engineers and police examined every road under review in line with Queensland’s speed limit guidelines, taking careful consideration of the traffic, pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure,” she said.
Existing speed limits will apply until the road signs are changed.
- Related article: Submissions Call For Higher Speeds On Blackbutt Range
So Frecklington is now a road safety expert? Amazing what driving on a road 2 to 3 times a week teaches you. She would have welcomed the speed limit review even it was changed to get out and walk the Blackbutt Range.
Surely it’s an improvement to eliminate two extra speed “buffer” zones that we don’t really need. But what would I know? I’m no road safety expert either.
Too many speed zones eh? What absolute rot. The State Government has scrapped the buffer 80km/h speed zones for ONE reason. Revenue raising. Police will sit somewhere in the 60k zone with one of their fancy new speed guns and will catch more speeding drivers doing 100k. Nice big fat fines to help fix Queensland’s debt problem. Tax the mining companies and leave the motorists alone.