Cargo residents aren’t the only drivers to slam the decision by the Roads and Traffic Authority to reduce the speed limit on the road between Orange and Cargo by 20 kilometres an hour.
Canowindra drivers have joined the chorus of hundreds who say the decision will only force Canowindra drivers to another route, simply moving the potential for problems and accidents elsewhere.
An RTA spokesperson says the speed limit on Cargo Road between Cargo and Orange will be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h following a speed zone review.
For more than 28 kilometres, motorists will only be able to travel at 80 kilometres an hour.
The RTA blamed the road’s poor accident
history.
“In the five year period between 2004 and 2008, there were 44 crashes on this section of road, including one fatal and 20 injury crashes. This is almost double the rate for similar undivided rural roads.
“As well as the high crash rate, the road has many steep and winding sections,” the spokesperson said.
“There are also 21 road intersections and about 100 property accesses. Many of these have
inadequate sight distance from Cargo Road and the intersections and accesses.
“Based on the speed zone review, a speed limit reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h on Cargo Road between Neales Lane, Orange and Cargo is deemed appropriate, and will be implemented soon,” the spokesperson said.
Following the completion of the review – which was conducted under the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines - copies of the report were forwarded to Cabonne and Orange City councils.
The councils were advised of the speed zone review in August 2009.
Estimates are that the speed reduction will add another ten minutes on to a trip to Orange, via Cargo, from Canowindra making the slightly longer, but flatter and better road via Cudal a viable option.
Karen Parish is just one of many drivers who said they will seriously consider bypassing Cargo and accessing Orange via Cudal.
She believes the solution to making the road safer is not as simple as just reducing the speed limit and in fact will add to the anger and frustration.
She believes the state of the road, forcing drivers to travel in the middle, and lack of safe overtaking areas, is a more serious issue.
“It’s ridiculous, it will just make drivers even more frustrated,” she said.
“The ruts on the sides mean people sit in the middle of the road, making overtaking difficult.”
Cargo residents agree with her. On Monday, they spoke publicly about their fear the speed restriction will do little but alienate drivers.
Cargo store owner Doreen Sullivan uses the road at least twice a week for work.
She fears the new speed limit will result in fewer visitors to her business.
“People coming through Cowra and Canowindra won’t want to take the Cargo turnoff so it will affect my business,” she said.
“I wasn’t happy with it from the start.”
Member for Orange Russell Turner said the RTA should instead provide funding to widen the road and improve the shoulders to make it safer for driving.
“There’s no reason why, with reasonable upgrades, it can’t at 100,” he said.
“I implore the RTA not to enact this decision.”
Public meeting at
Cargo later this month
Cabonne Councillor Kevin Walker said Cabonne Council is planning a Community Consultative meeting at the Cargo Hall on January 29, starting from 7pm.
He urged people wanting to make their opinion clear on the issue to attend.
He said many people disputed the figures cited by the RTA.
The RTA has been invited.
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