THEIR purpose is to calm traffic, but the series of new “speed cushions” on 60kph Flinders Way near Manuka seem to do anything but calm drivers.
“CityNews” has received calls of outrage from south-side residents about the seven 20kph speed bumps, which were installed in May as part of the Residential Streets Improvements Program.
The program targets collector roads within the ACT and ranks them based on crash history, speed and volume, and land use information, according to Territory and Municipal Services.
“The installed speed cushions on Flinders Way and associated intersections were implemented to slow the speed of vehicles approaching with the aim of reducing crash incidents,” a TAMS spokesperson said.
“The project will be evaluated six months from the date of installation.”
When asked about the effect of drivers avoiding the speed humps by taking alternative routes, “rat running” through residential streets of Forrest, Red Hill and Griffith the spokesperson said: “The evaluation of the project will take into account speed and volume surveys on adjoining streets.
“Adjustments may be made pending the outcome of this evaluation.
“The evaluation will include comparison of speed and volume information pre and post-installation and examination of crash data.”
However, the consultation of directly affected residents was undertaken over a three-week period in November.
Residents and businesses on Flinders Way, Monaro Crescent, La Perouse Street and Murray Crescent were only contacted by a letterbox drop.
“Flinders Way is not an arterial road,” the spokesperson said. “It is a road where people live and the aim of this project is to address their concerns and improve their amenity…
“The signposted speed limit on roads such as Flinders Way is a guide and is a maximum limit. Road users need to adjust their speed to suit the conditions.
“The Flinders Way project is primarily aimed at managing crash incidence.”
The evaluation will be made by Roads ACT around October/November and will include a comparison of speed and volume information pre and post-installation and crash data.
Public comment will be invited over a minimum three-week period.
“Follow up speed and volume surveys will be undertaken over a minimum seven-day period at locations that were surveyed pre-installation,” the spokesperson said.
“This includes Flinders Way and side streets. Crash data for the period post installation will be compared against similar periods in previous years.”
The spokesperson said directly affected residences will be letterbox dropped and information will be also available on the ACT Government website and feedback can be submitted online or in writing.
Results of the evaluation will be available on the ACT Government website.
Speed cushions are also proposed for Spofforth Street in Holt.
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