The Andrews Labor Government has failed to rule out further cuts to speed limits on country roads, despite calls from regional communities to make our roads safer by investing in proper maintenance.
The Roads Minister recently had the opportunity to rule out the policy entirely, but instead left the door open to cutting speed limits on more rural roads.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said lower speed limits wouldn’t fix potholes and hazards on country roads.
“Country people want their roads fixed – they don’t want to be slowed down,” Mr Walsh said.
“Not only does lowering speed limits increase the amount of time people are away from home it also has huge implications for the productivity of our regional businesses.
“Road transport remains a key link between northern Victoria and domestic, interstate and international markets.
“By slowing us down on the roads, the Andrews Government is dragging out travel times and holding back our ability to build stronger regional economies.”
The policy comes as rural councils struggle to keep up with the high cost of roads maintenance as a result of Labor’s decision to axe the $160 million Country Roads and Bridges Program.
Despite this, Daniel Andrews has found billions to put into cost blowouts on level crossings in Melbourne.
“Once again, Daniel Andrews is showing he just doesn’t care about country Victorians,” Mr Walsh said.
