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Fix the roads, don’t lower the speed limits
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Fix the roads, don’t lower the speed limits

Roads Minister Jaala Pulford has confirmed the Andrews Labor Government will pursue its policy to slash speed limits on country roads, instead of listening to community calls to fix them.
The Government this week had the chance to rule out cutting speed limits on rural roads, but refused to, despite regional Victorians making it clear the priority should be proper maintenance to fix dangerous roads.
Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said lower speed limits wouldn’t fix potholes and road hazards on country roads.
“It looks like another blanket ‘one rule for all’ policy on the horizon from this city centric government,” said Mr Bull.
“Country people want their roads fixed – in preference to being slowed down.
“Not only does lowering speed limits increase the amount of time people are away from home it also has implications for the productivity of our regional businesses.
“Road transport fulfils the overwhelming majority of our transport needs in East Gippsland, delivering the goods we take for granted in our homes and workplaces, and the services upon which the business community relies.
The Minister’s confirmation comes as rural councils struggle to keep up with the high cost of roads maintenance as a result of Labor’s decision to axe the $160 million Country Roads and Bridges Program.
Despite this, Daniel Andrews has found billions to put into cost blowouts on level crossings in Melbourne.
“Slowing down country motorists not only hurts local economies, it also affects the state’s economy, including the productivity of our horticulture sector which relies on timely delivery of perishable goods to fresh markets in Melbourne and Sydney,” Mr Bull said.
“Once again, Daniel Andrews is showing he just doesn’t care about country Victorians.”
Caption: Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, inspects a section of failed road pavement which is an example of a road that should be fixed and made safe rather than have reduced speed limits imposed.