Withers residents curb need for speed

Aaron Corlett, BUNBURY HERALDBunbury Herald

Wed, 11 February 2015 1:20PM

Withers Advisory Committee chairman James Hayward and member Joanna Hugues-dit-Ciles are pleased with a speed limit change along Ocean Drive in Withers. Credit: Jon Gellweiler

Public pressure has forced a speed limit change along Ocean Drive in Withers in an apparent win for pedestrians.

The Withers Advisory Committee had repeatedly submitted requests to the Bunbury City Council and Main Roads to review speed limits on Ocean Drive with particular attention to the area bounded by Washington and Mosedale avenues.

The group recommended the speed limit be reduced from 70kmh to 60kmh along that section of Ocean Drive and Main Roads have approved the request and new signage has been installed.

Bunbury city councillor and Withers Advisory Committee chairman James Hayward said feedback from the Withers community highlighted concerns about the safety of pedestrians crossing Ocean Drive.

"Maiden Park in particular is a popular spot for pedestrians to cross the road, especially children," he said.

"Some of the most vocal community members were seniors who said it was stressful to cross the road."

Cr Hayward said he was thankful for the Withers community's proactive approach to road safety.

"This is a win-win for the community and proves if people take a proactive approach they can implement change," he said.

Cr Hayward said a number of other measures were being considered to continue to improve the safety along Ocean Drive.

Withers Advisory Committee member and Withers resident Joanna Hugues-dit-Ciles said it was great to see the council and Main Roads listen to the community and introduce the new speed limit.

"A few years ago it was a pretty quiet stretch of road but now it's very busy - particularly in rush hour," she said.

Withers residents curb need for speed

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