Road an 'accident waiting to happen'
The manager of Broome Vacation Village has branded the road outside his caravan park "an accident waiting to happen" and praised a decision to review the speed limit.
John Baldwin won the first round of his battle a fortnight ago when the Shire of Broome went against a recommendation from its director of engineering services Michael Dale and voted to support a reduction from 70km/h to 60km/h on Port Drive between Clementson Street and Gubinge Road.
"This section of Port Drive is not considered to be a safety concern, a right-hand turning pocket exists in the Vacation Broome Village and there is good sight distance in each direction," Mr Dale stated in the ordinary council meeting agenda.
"There are no safety concerns in this instance, therefore no need to reduce the speed limit."
Despite his assurance, councillors voted to advise that the Shire supported Mr Baldwin, and authorised chief executive Kenn Donohoe to write to Main Roads requesting the speed limit be reduced.
"There are 300 sites here and we average throughout the year between 350 and 380 vehicles entering and exiting the park each day," Mr Baldwin said.
"During the high season in particular, we have got the average six metre four-wheel-drive and the average six-metre plus caravan or motor homes visiting us."
Mr Baldwin said his major concerns were for those entering and exiting the caravan park and "anyone else using Port Drive".
"If you are travelling at 70 kilometres per hour it takes quite a substantial time to register, recognise and brake," he said.
"We believe it is only a matter of time before there is an accident, whether it relates to someone in our park or a tourist or resident of Broome. That is our concern."
Shire president Graeme Campbell said the decision now rests with regulatory body Main Roads.
"Council does not make decisions lightly and would expect Main Roads would listen very seriously to the resolution of council," he said.
