South West police out on patrol to enforce new speed limit

THE South West’s top traffic cop has sent a warning to road users that police will have a presence at a notorious intersection which has had its speed limit reduced.

In response to a number of serious and fatal crashes at the Hynes Road and Forrest Highway intersection, Main Roads WA last week reduced the speed limit from 100kmh to 80kmh.

Police were already out in force in the area last week and officer-in-charge Sgt Craig Clarke said road users could expect the strong police presence to continue.

“People just need to slow down,” Sgt Clarke said.

“It is a reduced change in speed, it is in response to a survey by Main Roads and that was conducted in response to a series of fatal and serious crashes at the intersection.”

The Bunbury Herald last month revealed Main Roads would be doing a road safety inspection at the intersection following a third fatal crash at the black spot in a nine year period.

A spokeswoman last month said Main Roads was aware of the area’s “crash history” prompting the inspection.

In response to the survey the speed limit has been reduced, signs have been installed to alert drivers and it is understood shrubbery in the area has been cut or removed to help with visibility.

Sgt Clarke said he welcomed the reduction in speed and drivers were on notice.

“Take on board the change and adhere to it, otherwise they’ll be speaking to us,” he said.