ROADS ACT may be reviewing the speed limits on the GDE, but Alex Turini says there’s no reason why the speed limit can’t be set to 100km/h from Mitchell to the Tuggeranong Parkway.

“The road encourages high speeds,” says the founder of the watchdog website actroads.org.au

“I don’t see why it can’t be 100km/h with advisory signs on certain bends.”

Mr Turini said three days after the extended GDE opened, he was filmed driving along the new stretch of road and was overtaken by 22 cars.

He said a clause from the Australian Standards (1742.4 Section 2.1.2 (b)) says the speed limit can’t be too low that people ignore it.

And with the introduction of point-to-point cameras, he says all these factors are going to bolster belief in the community that speed limits and speed cameras are about revenue and not safety.

“It’s fuelling disrespect for speed limits and speed,” he said. “It’s almost negligent.”

The ACT Government’s website for the GDE had originally stated the road was designed for speeds of 90km/h. However, early last month the speeds were changed to 80km/h.

And as for traffic noise concerns from Kaleen and Aranda residents?

“In terms of noise, you can see the noise barriers as you go to Goulburn and Sydney,” he said.

“The GDE also has a great road surface where they have used hot seal tarmac compared to chip seal used on other roads.”

ACT Road’s review on the GDE will depend on tests including noise monitoring from homes at 16 locations. Car volumes and speeds will also be monitored.

More information at actroads.org.au