THE fact that this needs to be said is astonishing, but replacing speed limit signs with fake ones signalling 30km/h over the actual limit is absolutely ridiculous.
Whoever decided to do this at Gawler’s Schomburgk Drive, formerly known as East Link Road, on Sunday chose to put every single person using that road at risk.
People rejoiced when the signs were incorrectly reported as a legitimate speed limit change on social media on Sunday.
Fair enough – building what serves as a bypass designed with a 50-60km/h speed limit probably warrants questioning.
Eventually, that post was removed and Town of Gawler rightfully posted that it was all a dangerous hoax and that the speed limit of 50km/h stands.
Page eight of this edition showcases council’s official response, in which Gawler Mayor Karen Redman details that discussions with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) are under way to increase the speed limit to 60km/h on that road.
An investigation was undertaken years ago regarding potentially increasing the speed further, but it was determined that the geometry of the road was designed for 60km/h maximum.
Questions about the design of the road would be fair enough, as would questions as to why it has taken this long to get it up to 60km/h.
What is not fair enough, is the comment section of Town of Gawler’s Facebook post clarifying the speed limit.
Community members not only used it as an excuse to bash council, but some even lauded the acts of whoever is responsible for placing the fake signs on the road.
Council does not set the maximum speed limit, it falls under DIT’s jurisdiction.
If you feel that passionately about it, lobby DIT, but applauding the act of a criminal that put lives at risk is foolish at best and stupid at worst
