Bass Coast Shire Council is investigating the possibility of introducing 30km/h speed limits on local roads in Surf Beach, Sunderland Bay, Smiths Beach, Silverleaves and Sunset Strip.

They’re calling for the community to provide feedback on the proposal.

The council said the proposed change is driven by community concerns about the current 50km/h limit.
According to a council statement, roads in these estates are unmade and narrow with open drains, no footpaths and often with trees close to the edge, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to share the same space as cars.

“Lower speed limits lead to fewer and less severe accidents, making the roads safer for everyone, especially more vulnerable road users like children and the elderly.”

Council said traffic surveying found generally most cars are travelling at around 25-40km/h on these unsealed streets where the current speed limit is 50km/h.

“Lower speed limits not only improve the safety of the area for everyone but also improve amenity by reducing dust.”

Not all the streets in these estates are proposed to change to 30km/h.

On the busier more "main" roads such as Sunderland Bay Road, Smiths Beach Road and Beachcomber Road, council is proposing to change the speed limit to 40km/h.

Also, carparks at beach locations in these areas are proposed to change to 20km/h speed limit.

“We’re asking for community feedback on the proposal with a simple survey to gauge the level of support for these proposals,” council stated.

Speed limit changes are required to be submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning for approval by the Minister for Transport to ensure the alignment with speed zoning guidelines.

You can have your say on the proposals by visiting engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/speed-reviews-and-parking-improvements.

Feedback closes on Friday September 26.