Northam motorists will have noticed that in December, the posted speed limit on Peel Terrace was changed, with the 50 km/h zone extended to include the access road to Northam Recreation Centre.
The reduction of the speed limit on Peel Terrace was reviewed by Main Roads at the request of the Shire of Northam.
This is an intersection where there is often a high volume of traffic and a mix of pedestrians, cyclists and cars entering and exiting the Recreation Centre.
There is a clear relationship between speed and the risk of being involved in a crash: at higher speeds the time we have to react to changes in the environment is shorter, and the distance required to stop is longer.
The purpose of the change is to reduce the risk of crash, and serious injury to vulnerable road users.
With school about to return for term one in early February, motorists are also reminded to watch out for different patterns of traffic, and the return of the 40 km/h limits in school zones.
Please slow down, consider our kids.
Shire of Northam RoadWise Committee, #Avonlocalsdrivingchange
Cliff Simpson is a road safety advisor for the Wheatbelt North.
