Matron Porter Drive speed limit to be reduced

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock announced that the 80km/h speed zone along Matron Porter Drive in Milton would be dropped to 60km/h to keep motorists safer and avoid future fatalities on the busy road.

Mrs Hancock said she had listened to the community and the change was being introduced following overwhelming feedback requesting the speed limit be reduced.

“The speed limit along a 1.9km stretch of the road will soon be reduced to 60km/h in order to reduce the likelihood and consequences of road accidents,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Roads and Maritime Services undertook a review of the speed limit on Matron Porter Drive and the road environment in line with the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines and have recommended the reduction in the speed limit.

“The NSW Police South Coast Police District and Shoalhaven City Council were consulted and are also supportive of the proposed reduction.

Mrs Hancock said studies have shown reduced speed limits can save lives as well as significantly reducing the severity of a crash.

“As your speed increases, so does the distance travelled while the driver processes and reacts to a hazard,” Mrs Hancock said.

“The distance needed to stop also increases at a considerable rate as your speed increases along with the risk of losing control of the vehicle and ability to manoeuvre the car.

Mrs Hancock asked motorists to be aware of road rules, drive to the conditions and adhere to the new speed limits to keep “us all safe”

“We all remember the head on collision on Matron Porter Drive in January this year in which a mother tragically lost her life,” she said.

“Nobody wants to see another life lost on our roads, which is why we are taking action to avoid just that and protect road users.”

The 60km/h speed limit will come into effect in the coming months. Verbal message signage will also be installed to advise motorists of the reduction two weeks prior.