Local Pilbara Mum fights for road safety

Months of road safety campaigning from a Newman mum has prompted the Shire of East Pilbara to reduce speed limits across the mining town. Speed limits on Newman Drive, Kalgan Drive and Welsh Drive surrounding the Newman town centre will be reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h. It follows months of petitioning from locals — fronted by mother Alira Tanner after her daughter Kayla, was struck by a car — to address concerns along several busy stretches of road. A growing chorus of concerned parents allowed the petition to be presented to the council in October last year which included requests to install a non-signalised zebra pedestrian crossing and drop speed limits from 60km/h to 50km/h along parts of Newman Drive. New signage indicating speed changes have now been implemented by Main Roads. Ms Tanner said the concerns were swiftly dealt with by the Shire and would bolster safety on Newman roads and she was grateful for the outcome. “That main road really gets quite busy with trucks going fast down there so hopefully it will make it safer for the kids,” she said. “I feel a lot better and I know a lot of parents will feel a lot happier for their kids to get home when they hit high school crossing those busy roads. I think it will make a difference if everyone sticks to the speed limit.” Newman Drive is a major route for both light and heavy vehicle and foot traffic, including young children on their way home from school Shire acting chief executive officer Lisa Clarke said it was important to look after all road users, especially young community members, and reduce speeds during peak times across school zones.