Hundreds of Bridgetown residents have supported a campaign to reduce the speed limit through their townsite along the South West Highway, to help ensure a safer zone for road users.
The current 50 kilometre per hour limit begins near the tennis courts on the northern end, passing through the middle of the main shopping precinct through to the railway line at the south end.
Despite numerous requests over the years, Main Roads WA has rejected lowering the speed limit through the town centre, although they have recently agreed to a trial of a reduced speed limit in the neighbouring shire of Donnybrook, which is also on the South West Highway.
Local Bridgetown resident and retired Shire President Brian Moore described the campaign as a way to appeal to Main Roads and the Road Safety Commission to show that the speed limit in Bridgetown is a safety issue and should be reviewed.
Mr Moore said the 50km/h speed limit on this stretch of the highway was a hazard and road safety issue and a conversation should start now before it got more dangerous.
Speed limits are determined by Main Roads based on a number of factors including the general topography of the location, the urban density and road design.
A 40km/h zone applies in areas with high levels of pedestrian activity and outside schools.
Main Roads is responsible for ensuring a safe environment for all road users and frequently review and modify certain speed zones.
Mr Moore said despite comments on the Bridgetown Community Facebook Page about trucks being noisier with a reduced limit, there was more to the issue.
"This is not an issue that is just about trucks," he said.
"This is about a whole range of dangers that are ever-increasing as the traffic along this highway is increasing. The permit parking bays were recently removed from the highway, as the road is not wide enough to be safe.
"And some local café businesses have had applications to increase alfresco areas knocked back as Main Roads say it is too dangerous. So they are aware that the highway is a safety issue in the townsite, now we just have to convince them that it would be safer if the speed limit was reduced."
The campaign is gaining support from the Bridgetown Greenbushes Shire, who have posted information about the petition on their Facebook page.
