A GRASSROOTS campaign and some political sway has encouraged the state government to reconsider reducing the speed limit on the Oxley Highway between Walcha and Port Macquarie.
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It was feared dropping the speed limit along the mountainous motorbiking mecca – in some places by up to 30km/h – would seriously impact Walcha’s motorcycle tourism.
An online petition opposing the changes reached 5000 signatures in little more than a week, state politicians from both sides of the mountains became involved and local businesses met with Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) representatives on Tuesday to voice their concerns.
The RMS has listened, promising no change would be made until “further investigations” were made.
Tamworth MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Roads, Kevin Anderson, said he held meetings with RMS officials and NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay.
I asked them to hold off on it until more research is done.
- Tamworth MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Roads, Kevin Anderson
“I asked them to hold off on it until more research is done,” Mr Anderson said.
“That includes more traffic counts and looking at other options for safety measures. Because of the high number of crashes, there is still a need to improve safety.”
Mr Anderson does not want to see the decision impact tourism, which is vital to Walcha’s economy.
“Many people ride that road, stay the night in Walcha, have a meal, then head back in the morning,” he said.
The Walcha Royal Cafe relies heavily on motorcycle tourist and owner Toni Heaney said the RMS were happy to take on board the concerns of the community.
“They were fairly open minded and listen to all the things tabled,” Ms Heaney said.
“Now they'll have the opportunity to reply to those concerns. Hopefully it will be a positive outcome for the town of Walcha.
“Our town will be severely impact should the changes go ahead.”
Another issue was overtaking, as dropping the speed limit along the flat sections of the road from 110km/h to 70km/h would make it nearly impossible for cars and motorcycles to legally overtake trucks, leaving them stuck behind the larger vehicles as they struggle up the hills.