Whittlesea police reveal shocking new data on Masons Rd speedsters
Leadfoot motorists on one notorious stretch in Melbourne’s north east are flouting the speed limit by more than 45km/h, shocking new data has revealed.
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Shocking new data has revealed the terrifying number of motorists racing along Masons Rd in Mernda, with more than 80 per cent of drivers flouting the 50km/h speed limit.
The alarming data recorded by Whittlesea police in September, showed 15 per cent of vehicles (about 100 a day) travelled 25km/h or more over the speed limit, while 10 cars a day went more than 45km/h or more over the limit.
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Whittlesea police Sergeant Steve Cuxson said one motorist was clocked going almost three times the speed limit.
A “ridiculous amount” of cars sped on the road, Sgt Cuxson said.
“Bar a very small percentage, they are all speeding.
“It’s crazy,” Sgt Cuxson said.
The September survey revealed the “scope of the problem” Sgt Cuxson said, however Masons Rd residents told Leader the data came as no surprise to them.
In August Masons Rd resident Tina Marshall said the death of a man who was killed after his van crashed into a tree on August 22 was avoidable.
“You take your life in your hands when you turn into driveways on this road,” Ms Marshall said.
Ms Marshall, and fellow resident Jodie Williams, were among a group of residents who lobbied Whittlesea Council for months prior to the fatality calling for potholes to be fixed and grading on the dangerous thoroughfare.
The cause of the crash is not known.
While the women were pleased police had increased their presence on the hazardous road, they did not believe it would be enough of a deterrent for dangerous drivers.
“People will just see the signs and think ‘cool I’m speeding’, there is no consequence for them when the police aren’t there,” Ms Williams said.
Ms Marshall was calling for a roundabout to be installed at the intersection of Masons Rd and Wilkes Court to force motorists to slow down.
Whittlesea Council city transport and presentation director Nick Mann said council had installed prominent speed limit signage along the road.
“Council is very concerned about the high travel speeds on Masons Rd and have sought assistance from Victoria Police for increased patrols and speed enforcement,” Mr Mann said.
Sgt Cuxson warned motorists police from throughout the district would be patrolling the road “day and night” as part of Operation Mason.
There was “definitely” a high chance of another fatality if motorists continued to use the road as a “rat run”, Sgt Cuxson warned.
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