December 1, 2014
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for the immediate introduction of an 80km speed limit near the scene of two fatal accidents in Orbost.
Mr Chester said he had written to VicRoads calling for the temporary speed limit to be installed, until further assessment of the section of road near Lochiel Street and Salisbury Street has been made.
“In recent weeks we’ve seen two serious accidents on the Princes Highway in Orbost, most recently a double fatality on Friday,” Mr Chester said.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the people killed in these tragic accidents, along with the emergency service workers who attended the scene.”
Mr Chester said the community had been calling for action to prevent fatalities in this area and there has been a strong social media campaign, supported by hundreds of locals.
“While a full investigation is required to establish the cause of these recent fatal accidents, in the interim, I believe, it is prudent for VicRoads to immediately install an 80km speed zone covering both intersections,” he said.
If it became apparent that Federal Government Black Spot Programme funding was required to upgrade these sections of road, Mr Chester said he would be happy to advocate for that on behalf of VicRoads.
“I’ve driven the road hundreds of times and met with locals over the past fortnight,” Mr Chester said.
“There is no doubt in my mind that substantial safety upgrades are needed.”