Member for Moore Shane Love has tabled a petition in parliament with more than 250 signatures calling on the government to reduce the speed limit on Indian Ocean Drive within the Leeman townsite.
The petition called for the speed to be dropped from 80 km/hr to 60km/hr in the town, adding the current limit of 80km/hr on Indian Ocean Drive poses a road safety risk for residents exiting, entering or crossing over Indian Ocean Drive in Leeman.
Mr Love said the reduced speed limit was necessary to allow the safe entry and exit of traffic from the Leeman townsite until slip lanes are installed.
“The petition follows repeated calls from Leeman residents to Main Roads and the Minister for Road Safety to review the speed limit, having witnessed many near misses,” he added.
“Main Roads refused those requests on the grounds there had been no reported crashes on this section of the road in the preceding five years.
“I think it is concerning that those requests from local residents who are slowing to turn or pull out were dismissed – there really is no substitute for local knowledge and experience.”
Mr Love said Indian Ocean Drive is one of WA’s principal tourist routes and a scenic coastal road with motorists expected to slow down and enjoy what the local coastal communities have to offer.
“In the absence of slip lanes, motorists are pulling out over double white lines because they won’t slow down for turning traffic,” he added.
“It is time the Minister for Transport listened to the calls of local Leeman residents.
“I know of no other town where traffic hurtles through the town at 80km/hr.”