Media response - Chalk Hill Road speed limit petition

Published on 17 June 2024

Response to the Fleurieu Sun.

• Regarding the Chalk Hill Road speed limit petition [to reduce speed on the McLaren Vale road], is there anything the council can say as to why preliminary advice does not support a speed limit change? 

Comments attributed to Kirk Richardson, Director Operations

Council received the petition requesting a reduced speed limit along Chalk Hill Road in December 2023 and we’ve since investigated the residents’ concerns.

In South Australia, speed limits fall under the delegation of Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and are set in accordance with Australian standards and DIT guidelines, as this provides a consistent approach across the road network. Our investigations included the collection of traffic volume and speed data, sight distance assessments at concealed driveways, and a request for DIT to review the existing 80km/h speed limit.

DIT’s assessment – which considered various factors including safety, infrastructure, the roadside environment and traffic patterns – found the current speed limit is appropriate for the current road and traffic conditions, and is consistent with similar roads in the area.

Following DIT’s decision, we’ve committed to upgrading linemarking and signage along the road to indicate the presence of concealed driveways, and consulting impacted residents about pruning/vegetation removal options to improve sight distance.

We’ve also contacted South Australia Police to consider scheduling regular speed limit enforcement, and we’re exploring with DIT a potential review of speed limits throughout the broader McLaren Vale road network. This review could potentially involve revisiting the Chalk Hill Road speed limit.

All of us have a part to play to tackle road trauma in Onkaparinga, so I urge everyone in the community to drive as if your loved ones are on the road ahead.

ENDS