Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) will implement 30 kilometre per hour speed zone in Cootamundra’s main street, Parker Street effective from 3 June 2024, following a speed zone review from Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
The Local Traffic Committee consisting of members from local Police, TfNSW, Local MP representative and Council, considered the advice from the speed zone review conducted by NSW Police about driver behaviour in the CBD. The review found a reduction from 50km/h to 30km/h will improve safety in the area. The issue was raised due to the high number of pedestrians and continual crossing of Parker and Wallendoon Street between the dedicated crossings. Other factors also considered were the street vegetation and the reverse parking as issues with traffic flow. Safety of all users was deemed of high importance in slowing down traffic.
Approval was given from TfNSW for the High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) to be implemented and will create a 30km/h speed limit along Parker Street between Adams Street and the Stratton Bridge at Muttama Creek, Wallendoon, Adams and Bourke Streets will also be reduced between the laneways leading up to Parker Street, and a portion of Wallendoon Street towards the Post Office will be included in the HPAA.
CGRC mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said the HPAA will make Parker/Wallendoon streets safer for pedestrians.
“This topic has been on the agenda for over 12 months, and has been discussed at length within Council, the Local Traffic Committee and public consultation was sort via an online survey. The results of which proved positive, with local business owners especially supporting the change to the speed limit in the CBD. The expected implications of this reduced speed limit will mean the unhindered time to travel the length of the Parker Street will be 84 seconds instead of 51 seconds at 50k/h. I’m sure we can all take it a little slower to ensure the safety of all pedestrians within the busy area of Parker and Wallendoon Streets,” Cr Sheahan said.
This project is fully funded by TfNSW. Current standards for HPAA are 30km/h are set by TfNSW.
Variable Message Boards are currently in place advising motorists of the change in traffic conditions from 3 June 2024.
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