WEDNESDAY'S announcement that the speed limit on The Escort Way will be reduced seems like a vote for common sense.
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As part of an ongoing speed zone review program, in response to community concerns, next month the speed limit on The Escort Way will be reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h.
The review by Roads and Maritime Services staff examined traffic conditions in the area and looked at crash and pedestrian activity, before concluding the speed limit should change.
While it might take residents a little time to get used to the changing traffic conditions, warning signs will be temporarily erected to remind them.
The new 60km/h zone, that starts about 350 metres west of Jonathon Road and runs to 70m west of the corner of The Escort Way and Northern Distributor Road, reflects the road’s proximity to one of the most densely populated areas of the city.
Let’s face it The Escort Way now cuts its way through one of Orange’s busiest suburban areas so it’s logical that the speed limit be reduced to acknowledge this, however what doesn’t make sense is why it has taken so long for the change to occur.
As most Orange residents will recall it’s taken three years of lobbying by concerned members of the community, pleas to the member for Orange Andrew Gee, and the eventual intervention of Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay, to make it happen.
While the road hasn’t had the same amount of accidents as nearby Cargo Road, it hasn’t been without incident.
In fact Poplars Drive resident Bruno Belmonte flagged his concerns about the road’s speed limit in 2011 after his poodle Bam Bam, was killed.
At the time, he appealed for a speed reduction to 50km/h however said he’s satisfied with the reduction to 60km/h.
Lets hope the drop in speed limit heralds improved safety for motorists, residents and their pets.