At the Harden Shire Council’s May monthly meeting, councillors received a recommendation from the shire traffic committee to reduce the speed limit.

It was a move all councillors were in favor of and many local shop keepers agree that the reduction in the speed limit will make the road safer for all.

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) have also leant their support to the cause saying it is a move they would back, however no formal decision has been made.

“The RTA will carry out a speed zone assessment of this road next week in accordance with the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines,” an RTA spokesperson said.

Harden Shire Council general manager, Max Kershaw believes the move to restrict the speed limit to 50km/h will improve safety.

“There is a clear correlation between the speed travelled by motorists and the number of traffic related accidents,” Mr Kershaw said.

“The cost of this project will be funded by the RTA.

“The new speed limit, coming into force in the coming months, has come about from traffic safety issues raised and ensuing discussions by Council and staff from the Roads and Traffic Authority and NSW Police,” Mr Kershaw added.

The committee agreed to the RTA and police proposal and recommended the idea to council of nose in parking to replace the current rear end parking, which raised a lot of debate amongst councillors.

Agreeing there was an issue with the current parking situation was Mayor Chris Manchester who said he’d heard a few stories on near accidents and lucky misses in the Murrumburrah area.

“There is increased traffic flow and heavy vehicles on that part of Albury St and I truly think it’s an accident waiting to happen,” he said.

“I don’t tend to agree though with the nose in parking either.”