VicRoads to consider 40km/h limit on deadly Coburg road

VICROADS will consider slashing the speed limit along a deadly stretch of road in Coburg following a community campaign.

Newly installed safety signs in Nicholson Street, Coburg near where a pedestrian was killed in October. Picture: Supplied.

VICROADS will consider slashing the speed limit along a deadly stretch of road in Coburg following a community campaign.

As reported in the Moreland Leader earlier this month, Helene Khouzi, 58, died in October after being hit by a car as she crossed Nicholson St.

Ms Khouzi’s death, at a busy stretch of shops between Moreland Rd and Moore St, prompted an outpouring of community support, including a petition to lower the speed limit from 60km/h to 40km/h.

The petition gained traction on social media and drew the attention of Brunswick state Labor MP Jane Garrett, who joined Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Fiona Patten and Moreland councillor Sue Bolton in pushing VicRoads for an urgent review.

The review, to be completed before the end of December, will assess the feasibility of 40km/h speed limits along key sections of the busy street, from north of Moreland Rd towards Albion St in the south.

It will also examine traffic signals and street lighting in the area to maximise pedestrian safety.

Ms Garrett’s spokesman Khaled Chakli welcomed the news.

“This is an outstanding achievement, a result of our government and the community working together,” he said.

Mr Chakli said signs were being installed along Nicholson St warning drivers to be careful.

“We will continue to listen to the community’s concerns and deliver the outcomes necessary to keep pedestrians and residents safe,” he said.

Coburg woman Janie Miller, who started the petition, said she was thrilled by the swift response.

“The most wonderful feeling is that we probably won’t have any more deaths,” she said.

Ms Miller praised the various political campaigners and VicRoads officials.

“They were immediate, they were hands on, they encouraged and they put their money where their mouth is. They were really amazing help,” she said.