Road expert John Lambert says 80km/h rural links plan not viable

A road safety expert has weighed in on the debate on lowering Victoria’s speed limit in rural areas to 80km/h to curb the road toll.

One of Australia’s leading road safety experts says moves towards a blanket reduction in rural road speed limits are misguided.

A recent parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s road toll recommended the speed limit on “high crash risk” regional roads be lowered from 100 to 80km/h.

Veteran engineer and consultant John Lambert said most motorists drove to conditions and knew when to slow down due to perceived risk.

He said while it made sense to reduce the speed limit on some roads with heightened risk, the approach should be used sparingly.

Road safety expert John Lambert. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“Taking the view that many, many rural roads should go from 100 to 80km/h is not the answer,” Mr Lambert said.

“Sure, there are some roads that are currently set at 100km/h that should be 60 or even 40km/h, but that rezoning should be done sparingly, otherwise you will encounter backlash from motorists.

“Most motorists are sensible — they drive to conditions. If there’s a heavy downpour of rain, motorists slow down or pull over to the side of the road if safe to do so.

“Likewise, if the terrain is undulating or there’s a sweeping bend, most people behind the wheel slow down and adjust their speed.

“By slapping a 80km/h rule on roads where the risk is minimal, you will see motorists just overlook that because it doesn’t pass the common sense test.”

The Weekly Times first reported bureaucratic planning in mid-2019 to reduce C-class roads from 100 to 80 km/h.

However, then state roads minister Jaala Pulford ruled out any changes, although the Transport Accident Commission kept the possibility open.

Meanwhile, Mr Lambert has also reaffirmed calls to raise the speed limit along Geelong Ring Rd and the Princes Highway between Waurn Ponds and Colac from 100 to 110km/h.

He noted that Geelong Ring Rd was one of the few rural freeways of its kind in Victoria with a speed limit of 100km/h.