Nicholson Village traders say speeding drivers putting pedestrians in danger

Struggling Nicholson Village traders say their customers are being put in danger — and driven away — by the 60km/h zone in front of their quiet shopping precinct in Carlton North. With many “near misses” witnessed, they’re urging the government to act.

Nicholson Village traders want a 40km/h zone outside their shopping precinct.

Nicholson Village traders are calling on the government to lower the speed limit outside the Carlton North retail precinct.

Community action group Save Nicholson Village co-founder Leesa Lambert said the current limit of 60km/h was far too fast and should be lowered to 40km/h.

Ms Lambert, who owns The Little Bookroom, said she had witnessed many “near misses”.

And an online petition she has started, calling for change, has been signed more than 400 times.

“It’s nerve-racking watching parents trying to hold their toddlers’ hands when they’re crossing the road or jumping on a tram,” she said.

MORE:

NEW CLASSROOM, LIBRARY FOR COBURG HIGH

MELBOURNE’S NORTH A LOTTERY HOTSPOT

BRUNSWICK TV STUDIO NOMINATED FOR FIVE AWARDS

“On a daily basis traders will tell you about side mirrors being snapped off.”

Ms Lambert said other shop keepers had reported incidences where cars reverse parking under pressure had damaged heritage pillars supporting the strip’s historic verandas.

“There’s not a lot of a buffer between the road and the veranda so it’s very easy for oversized vehicles to hit them if they’re not concentrating,” she said.

In the struggling Carlton North shopping strip, Ms Lambert said the “commonsense” move to lower the speed limit would protect the peaceful village-feel and attract pedestrians.

She said it would also encourage passers-by to take in the strip’s heritage facades.

City of Yarra mayor Cr Danae Bosler said the council has supported lowering the speed limit within Nicholson Village for years.

“Lowering the speed limit would improve safety for all road users, especially pedestrians and

cyclists,” she said.

“It would also make it an even more liveable and pleasant place for people to shop and spend time at.”

A government spokesperson said safety was the “number one” priority and surrounding speed zones, crash history and number of access points were all taken into account when assessing speed zones.

“Speed limits are assessed on a case-by-case basis and aim to find the balance between safety and the needs of locals,” the spokesperson said.