Toogood Road speed limit: Bayview Heights, Woree residents reject 50km/h zone cut

A community revolt could lead to the reversal of a controversial decision to slash a busy suburban road’s speed limit to 50km/h.

A COMMUNITY revolt could lead to the reversal of a controversial decision to slash a busy suburban road’s speed limit to 50km/h.

Cairns Regional Council last month reduced the speed on Toogood Rd in Woree and Bayview Heights from 60km/h citing five crashes and concerns about residents being able to safely leave their properties.

Police and the Department of Transport and Main Roads were on board but residents lashed out at the decision.

An online petition garnered more than 400 signatures, and now another formal written petition with 30 signatures has been submitted to the council.

A ute crashed into a street sign and a tree near the corner of Toogood Rd and Jasper St in Bayview Heights in January. PICTURE: CHRIS CALCINO

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Lead petitioner Anne Kerr argued Toogood Rd was mostly a straight, wide road with wide shoulders and wide footpaths and warranted its former limit.

“It has good, easy visibility for both residents exiting their premises and for vehicles travelling on the road,” she wrote.

“Therefore the speed limit should be reinstated to the original 60km/h.”

Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger appeared to have had a change of heart since saying in July: “As much as I’m going to grit my teeth about it, it is about safety.”

Cr Cathy Zeiger on Toogood Rd in Woree. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

She asked the council to reassess the decision and look at a partial speed limit change that focused on a more dangerous area near a bend.

“Instead of making the whole thing 50, there’s an area that has a high crash zone and a higher speed issue, and that is around the corner,” she said.

“I’m more than happy, as are most of the residents of Bayview, to have that declared 50.

“But coming down, you’ve got to hit your brakes to do 50.

“It’s so wide, it’s very very difficult, I’m still getting phone calls.”

Bayview Heights residents have lashed out over the speed limit reduction. Picture: Kylie Else

The council has cut speed on several trunk roads in the past year including Ramsey Dr at Kanimbla, Roberts Rd in Bentley Park and Carnation Dr in Mooroobool.

However, Cr Zeiger said Toogood Rd was the only one council officers had copped a lashing over.

“Whilst I agree it’s got to go to 50 at a certain point, I would love to see it reassessed for that top part,” she said.

Originally published as Toogood Road speed limit: Bayview Heights, Woree residents reject 50km/h zone cut