Speed limit debate divides community

A REDUCTION in the speed limit through Fernvale has divided community opinion, according to Labor member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt.

Wayne Wendt wants to drop the speed limit from 60km to 50km/hr on the Brisbane Valley Highway at Fernvale after residents complaining. . Picture: Sarah Harvey

A REDUCTION in the speed limit through Fernvale has divided community opinion, according to Labor member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt.

Mr Wendt has written to Fernvale residents seeking their views on reducing the speed limit on the Brisbane Valley Hwy through Fernvale to 50kmh.

The proposal was initially raised by The Fernvale and Surrounding Communities Action Group.

Mr Wendt said he was shocked by the divided responses the issue had received.

"I received nearly 100 responses back, which is far more than I expected," he said.

"They are divided almost evenly. I think we've got 48 to 52 to the negative at the moment.

"The response has been quite unusual; these types of things normally get a response dominated by one side."

Mr Wendt said people for the change believed the speed combined with the amount of traffic was dangerous through town and the road was difficult to cross to access shops.

However, residents against the issue believed the 60kmh limit should be maintained to allow the traffic to pass through town as quickly as possible.

Mr Wendt said he wouldn't back a change in the limit without a clear majority favouring it.

"I'd think that as many people telling me they don't want it as want it that the status quo would have to stay.

"Whether that means we possibly look at other issues, like better pedestrian access, is yet to be seen.

"I'd have to again ask the community what they want."

Somerset mayor Graeme Lehmann has thrown his support behind the change.

He said the proposal had raised significant issues regarding safety along the highway.

"I personally would like to see a speed limit of 50kmh the whole way through Fernvale," he said.

"It's better for local businesses - I think people would be more likely to see them and stop.

"It's also a safety issue for pedestrians crossing the road from the western side of the Brisbane Valley Hwy."

Cr Lehmann said a similar reduction in the speed limit to 50kmh had worked in Esk.

"Lowood has a 50kmh speed limit and although it is 60kmh in Kilcoy, the corner and stop sign act as traffic-calming measures," he said.

"Reducing the speed limit in Fernvale is a minor change for motorists but would be of great benefit to local residents.

"It would make it safer crossing the road around Fernvale State School and the Fernvale markets each Sunday."

A 2010 traffic survey stated an average of 7525 vehicles travelled through Fernvale along the Brisbane Valley Hwy every day.

Originally published as Speed limit debate divides community