Speed reduction on the cards

A report on the July 22 council agenda recommends the City seek Main Roads approval to reduce the speed limit from 80km/h to 70km/h.

It was prompted by a 153-signature petition from Lakelands Leisure Village residents in May, who also sought extra streetlights.

The report said existing streetlights matched the standard of the majority of areas serviced by overhead power in the City.

‘There is currently a streetlight located between the two access driveways to the village,’ it said.

It said it would cost between $650 and $1000 to upgrade lights on power poles, or $5000 for each freestanding streetlight.

Deputy Mayor Dot Newton foreshadowed an alternative motion, saying streetlights were required at the junction with Lakelands Drive and the entry to Lakelands Leisure Village, not along the whole road.

Although Main Roads rejected similar requests to reduce the speed limit in 2003, 2007 and 2009, the council report said traffic volumes on Sydney Road had increased and would continue to do so.

‘If residents of the Lakelands Lifestyle Village are seeking a permanent solution to their safety concerns, then consideration should be given to providing alternative access to the village off Lakelands Drive,’ it said.