Speed limits to be reduced near Caldew Park at West Hobart

SPEED limits near West Hobart’s renowned “Train Park” will be lowered to 40km/h.

For Sun Tas. Caldew Park also known as the train park. Traffic engineer Donald Howatson has written a book about West Hobart street names.

WEST Hobart residents have finally had their wish granted — speed limits will be reduced near one of Hobart’s busiest playgrounds, the “train park”.

After a three-year campaign, the roads around Caldew Park, on the corner of Warwick and Hill streets, will be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h.

A petition of more than 100 signatures from West Hobart residents was handed to the Hobart City Council last December.

MORE: CALLS FOR LOWER SPEEDS NEAR WEST HOBART SCHOOLS

Affectionately dubbed the “train park”, Caldew Park attracts about 200,000 visitors a year.

There had been concerns the speed limit in the area would not be changed after a March report to the council’s infrastructure committee recommended no action be taken as it was not “warranted at this time”.

MORE: OUTRAGE OVER COUNCIL INACTION ON TRAIN PARK SAFETY

However, the HCC endorsed a separate motion from Alderman Anna Reynolds to write to the Tasmanian Government after an infrastructure committee meeting in March – a proposal that was supported.

Ald Reynolds said her notice of motion was prompted by the residents’ petition. She hopes new signs to improve safety near the park will be in place soon.

West Hobart residents, from left, Di Elliffe, Helayne Short and Amanda Staley have been the driving force behind getting the speed limit reduced near Caldew Park. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“I think our residents have a lot of good observations, so when we received advice that we weren’t going to slow the speed down I thought that wasn't fair,” Ald Reynolds said.

Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said engineering consultants GHD would discuss specifics of the reduction, such as speed zone cut-off points.

“The council is now investigating the provision of infrastructure to ensure driver compliance in slowing down,” Ald Hickey said.

“They [GHD] will be giving us the best advice possible on latest traffic techniques and we will now look at various ways to encourage people approaching the park to slow down.

“That might be rumble strips in the road or might be painted signage on the streets, but we need to get that advice from the professionals.”

West Hobart Environment Network member Di Elliffe said the speed of vehicles near the park had been a problem for a decade, with a campaign to reduce the speed limit running for close to three years.

“We’re very grateful to Anna Reynolds for pushing this issue to make sure council did approach the State Government,” she said.