548 speed up request

By Kelly Yates
EDRINGTON Ward councillor Simon Curtis handed a petition with 548 signatures to Casey Council last week pushing for the speed limit on Parkhill Drive in Berwick to be lowered.
The petition was instigated by Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan back in September.
Casey’s Cr Daniel Mulino told the News that a petition containing more than 500 signatures was a clear indicator of public opinion.
“There is local support for the speed reduction and I think there are some good arguments as there are many young children and elderly people in the area crossing the road,” Cr Mulino said.
“Luke Donnellan should be commended on his pro-active approach.”
The current speed limit along the road is 70km/h.
Mr Donnellan said the speed reduction would not cost the council a cent, apart from changing a couple of signs.
“Nobody at the council has explicitly stated that they have requested a reduction in the speed limit on Parkhill Drive. That says to me that they have ignored local resident requests,” Mr Donnellan said.
Mr Donnellan said he has had serious discussions in relation to the Parkhill Drive speed limit and understood that VicRoads would consider a request from the City of Casey for any speed reduction on the road.
There have been seven reported casualty accidents along Parkhill Drive from 2004 to 2008.
Sandra Iredale, who went to Berwick Lodge Primary School, was killed in a collision on the road in April this year.
Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek said he was thrilled the petitions had gone to Casey Council.
“We are hoping the council takes this issue seriously and that when making a decision it comes down to safety for children and pedestrians rather than traffic flow and the number of motorists on the road,” Mr Grossek said.
“We hope it doesn’t take another death along the road to see change.”
Mr Grossek believes the speed along Parkhill Drive should be lowered and pedestrian crossings installed.
Council officers will prepare a report for Casey councillors next month.