The section of High St in front of St Mary’s College is now 40km/h during school pick-up and drop-off times only.
Previously, the street’s speed limit was permanently limited to 40km/h.
The street’s speed limit will now only be 40km/h from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on school days. At all other times, it will be 50km/h.
Flashing 40km/h signs will begin operating this week and will activate during school times to make sure everyone has plenty of warning.
The change follows a notice of motion at a council meeting in 2018 which received unanimous support from councillors.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said the sign was a great example of how a councillor could bring the concerns of their local community to the attention of all councillors to work together to deliver a safe, practical outcome that benefited the whole community.
‘‘As a council, we take the safety of our local school children and parents as well as the other road users very seriously. I think this is a win-win for everyone,’’ he said.
Councillor Fiona Stevens said as a local who drove the road nearly every day, she had long shared the concerns about the speed limit.
‘‘I am ecstatic to know we have now achieved a very welcomed common-sense and safer outcome for all,’’ she said.
‘‘As a result, Mitchell Shire Council requested the change and both Victoria Police, VicRoads and St Mary’s College supported the proposal.’’
St Mary’s principal Wayne Smith said the change was welcome on a road that saw a lot of use during school drop-off and pick-up times.
‘‘The visual cue of the flashing sign is important and will help drivers to notice the change,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a heavy vehicle route and this sign is a very sensible addition to the road.’’
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