Main street speed zone signage shocker

Macrossan Street Speed Limits

Bryan Littlely

Journalist

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The Macrossan Street speed zone signage has come under fire, with calls, supported by Newsport, to rethink the signage plan. Picture: Byron Filmer

Community outrage over large red painted speed zone signs which appeared on Macrossan Street late Friday is showing no sign of slowing down, and Newsport now has gone to the Department of Transport and Main Roads calling for a rethink of the signage plan.

With more than 250 comments on a post on the original Port Douglas/Mossman buy swap sell Facebook page, and mounting engagement on Newsport reporting of the concerns, we've asked the department for some answers.

As comments on social media grow, and with the Department of Transport and Main Roads still to respond, we took to the streets to find out the thoughts of those closest to the scene, business owners in Macrossan Street.

Renee Samios from Georgie's Port Douglas said the two speeds is just confusing, "and the signs are big enough''.

"It is unsightly and totally unnecessary,'' she said.

"What we really need is more zebra crossings"

Other local business owners who did not want to be named added:

"It is very unsightly, completely, unnecessary and totally overkill"

"They are an eyesore to the streets"

"They won't be anymore effective than street signs, They are more of a distraction if anything."

Newsport has asked the Department of Transport and Main Roads the following:

♦ Will the painted signs be removed given the widespread outrage by the public?

♦ Can an alternative, less visually impactful signage plan be put in place? If not, why not?

♦ What overriding road safety message does Dept Transport and Main Roads want to provide to an eagerly watching and engaged community?

While many of the comments made jokes over the signage, many feel it detracts greatly from the tourist town ambience of Port Douglas and will have a detrimental impact on the high street casualness and trade.

Janet Morris asked “What has happened to aesthetic consideration in our village?’’

“I’m not against 30kmh but please preserve the integrity of the beauty we have, why we live here and why tourists enjoy their visit to PD and return again and again,’’ she said.

“Oh dear, What an eyesore in our picture-perfect village,’’ added Wendy McWilliam.

“That is disgusting if they are going to leave that. We have a hideous entrance to our town and now this,’’ added Barbara Wolveridge.

Newsport first broke the news of the speed limit changes for Macrossan Street on October 30, reporting that the Department of Transport and Main Roads had issued a notice of works to reduce the speed limit in Macrossan Street, Port Douglas, to 40km/h from Davidson St to Grant Street and 30km/h from Grant Street to Wharf Street to improve pedestrian safety.

“The speed reduction is expected to take effect in mid-November, weather and conditions permitting for works to be completed,’’ the provided information stated.

“The works will include speed zone pavement entry markings at various locations.’’

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A snap poll by Newsport, and interviews with traders about the changes received a mixed reaction, with the poll showing 55 per cent of 215 responses were in favour of a reduction in the speed limit, although comments were in favour of a flat 40kph speed limit.

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