Council
13 June, 2025
Lower speed limits not the answer
SOUTH West Coast MP Roma Britnell has called on the state government to fix the state of roads rather than reduce their speed limits.
“It appears the Allan Labor Government’s solution to fixing the roads is to simply slow everyone down and reduce the speed limits,” Ms Britnell said.
“The government recently lowered the speed on the Princes Highway between Southern Cross and the Koroit-Port Fairy roads.
“This means the limit will be 80km/h over a stretch of road that runs for more than 12 kilometres.”
She added that while sections of the road are degraded, lowering the speed limit should not be used as a solution for failing to invest in making regional roads safe.
“Alarmingly, the State Budget revealed major road patching targets have been cut by 93 per cent in regional Victoria for 2025/6.
“These reductions come after budget papers show the government failed to even go close to meeting its own targets last year.”
She said already it had been reported that the recently resurfaced parts of the Princes Highway have potholes reappearing.
“Locals are sick of seeing road repairs breaking down within weeks,” Ms Britnell said.
“Many people are telling me that they fear drivers may simply play the game of cat and mouse due to frustration, especially those on the daily commute between Port Fairy and Warrnambool.
“Safety should be paramount yet the state government’s solution to the poor-quality roads is to simply put up more slow down signs.”
She said cutting corners with road maintenance and repairs and changing speed limits was the wrong approach.
“The government’s claim that it is spending more on roads is outrageous because if it is, we are getting less.
“The Premier admits that her government is pouring money into Melbourne’s tunnels and roads but meanwhile our roads deteriorate further.”
