Council has voted to support a CBD speed limit change along Kendal Street at an ordinary council meeting on the 24th of February. The motion requires the shire's traffic committee liaise with Transport for NSW to review speeds in order for change to take place. Mayor Paul Smith cited similar precedents in Boorowa and Blayney, supporting the traffic Committee's background to the proposal, mentioning neighbouring towns with similar limits. The committee notes read: "The committee are concerned that due to high pedestrian and vehicle activity along Kendal Street within the CBD and the long distances between pedestrian crossings, that pedestrians, particularly the elderly or less able, are vulnerable to serious harm. To minimise this risk and to provide a safe environment for both motorists and pedestrians" Councillor Horton also pointed to slower limits introduced for safety in Orange, in locations where pedestrian traffic is heavy. Councillor Cheryl Speechley added that the changes in Blayney had a positive impact on the town, saying "I do drive through there quite frequently, I think it's made such a difference... it makes it a lot safer for everybody to enjoy their CBD space." Councillor Peter Wright said his "There seems to be a lot of positivity for a 40 kilometre speed zone, from the main street, presumably the only worry is the bit from the Anglican Church to the bridge... there's enough natural hazards in the street now, it's difficult to get to 40 kilometres an hour." Cr. Wright added "You can go too far I think, in trying to do something. You might be only putting a speed limit on that's only being achieved there now - but I'm only a bush lawyer so thank you." The motion was passed, and will go to the traffic committee and RTA to progress. A Transport for NSW guide on road safety advises that even a minor change in speed limits can result in much safer roads, particularly for pedestrians. 'Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in crashes, as an unprotected body can only tolerate so much force. A pedestrian hit by acar travelling at 50km/h is twice as likely to be fatally injured as one hit by a car travelling at 40km/h.'
