Speed limits have been permanently lowered through the township of Meeniyan

Speed limits have been lowered through one small South Gippsland town, for what has been described as “no reason at all”.

The speed limit on the South Gippsland Highway has been reduced in Meeniyan. Picture: Ian Currie

Opinion is split over a decision to reduce the speed limit on a major road running through South Gippsland.

The speed limit has dropped from 50km/h to 40km/h running through the township of Meeniyan, not far from popular tourist spot Venus Bay, angering local David Alexander.

“There seems to be no reason at all for the 40km/h (limit); it’s is not a built-up area, school zone or anything else,” he said.

Others have said they welcome the change.

Daniel Wells, who drives through Meeniyan daily, said despite the town’s small population it was a busy road.

“It’s actually the main street of the town, I do less than 40 because cars jam the brakes on unexpectedly to get into car parks and people are always crossing the road,” he said.

The reduced speed limit of 40km/h was requested by representatives of the Meeniyan community and supported by the council.

Regional director (Gippsland) from the Department of Transport, Beth Liley, said the speed reduction was to keep people safe.

“Our priority is to keep everyone on our roads safe. We review speed limits on a case-by-case basis, taking an evidence-based approach,” she said.

“We’ve reduced the speed limit on the South Gippsland Highway through the Meeniyan township to improve the safety for everyone, including pedestrians.”

The Department of Transport and Planning conducted an extensive review of the speed limit along the South Gippsland Highway (Whitelaw St) in Meeniyan. This review recommended that a safer speed limit of 40km/h be introduced while travelling through the Meeniyan township.

The department said speed limits were subject to a “rigorous review process” and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

When deciding on a speed limit the factors they consider include the road environment, traffic volume, types of road users (including pedestrians) and crash history.

Police said they would be patrolling the area.

“Please ensure that when travelling in the area that you abide by the correct speed limit and are paying attention to the speed limit signage,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.