DECEMBER 21 2018 – 10:00AM Local News Note: Graphic image
A RESIDENT has called for the evening speed limits on Woodlands Drive to be cut to save wildlife.
Bon Gray said he wanted to highlight the high number of wildlife deaths on the road which runs from Mount Cotton to the Cleveland area.
“Most deaths and injuries appear to be due to excessive speed coupled with a lack of awareness of driving on country roads,” Dr Gray said.
“Most drivers responsible for these deaths and injuries are unwilling to meet their responsibilities (like) failing to check the status of animal or organise treatment.
“Further, there appears to be no plan by government (local or state) to deal with urban encroachment on previously rural/natural areas.”
Dr Gray said it was time for a plan to deal with this issue before the destruction of our wildlife heritage.
“It’s time for a sunset to sunrise 50k/hr speed limit on this road,” Dr Gray said.
Redland City Council spokesperson said no formal application had been received to change speed limits on the road and that by itself council was not able to change city speed limits.
“Any change to speed limits has to be approved by a Speed Review Committee in accordance with state and national standards and best practice outlined by the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
“This helps to make sure that speed limits throughout the state are consistent and credible.
“The Speed Review Committee for Redland City is made up of traffic engineers from Redland City Council, traffic engineers and Road Safety Officers from the Department of Transport and Main Roads and a representative from the Queensland Police Service.”
The spokesperson said speeds were determined by road geometry, safety, mobility and alignment, road function, current speeds and volumes, speed environment and accident history.
“In accordance with the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ MUTCD, presence of wildlife is not a factor considered when setting speed limits,” the spokesperson said.
Council had fencing, signage and wildlife community education campaigns in place about driving slowly at night and being observant.
Residents can have their say on transport issues including speed limits at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/draft-redlands-coast-transport-strategy.
A spokesman for Transport Minister Mark Bailey said Woodlands Drive was a council road, making it an issue for council.
The issue could be raised at one of council’s monthly road safety committee meetings, which included police and departmental representatives
