If you’re caught doing 50km/h along Leeds Parade and Phillip Street on Saturday or Sunday while the Orange Show is on, you could end up with a hefty $800 fine and the loss of five points on your licence.

At 7am this morning a special category 20km/h speed limit came in to force near the Showground to run from 7am to 10pm today and tomorrow.

President of Orange Show Society Peter Naylor approached Orange City Council two weeks ago to explore the possibility of allowing parking on both sides of Leeds Parade to offer more parking close to the Showground for patrons attending the show.

Orange police, in consultation with Orange City Council, approved the application for the speed limit to be lowered for the duration of the show.

“The Show Society thought by lowering the speed limit it would be better for our patrons who can park on both sides of  Leeds Parade and the 20km limit will make it safer to do that,” Mr Naylor said.

Inspector Dave Harvey of Orange police is reminding drivers of the new speed limit arrangements.

“Police will be patrolling the area to ensure there is enforcement of the temporary speed limit,”  Inspector Harvey said.

The temporary 20km/h speed limit signs start 100 metres south of the Margaret Street and Leeds Parade intersection and continue north along Leeds Parade to Honeyman Drive and along Phillip Street.

From 10pm Saturday until 7am on Sunday the special category 20km/h limit will revert to the usual 50km/h.

Orange City Council spokesman Allan Reeder said after the Orange Show there will be a review of how well the lower speed limit worked and whether there is the potential to extend the lower limit to surrounding streets during next year’s show.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au