Council has received funding through the Australian Government Black Spot program to reduce the speed limit on a section of Coghlan Road in Cowes, between Phillip Island Road and Cowes-Rhyll Road (section 1).

The project will also include installing audio tactile line marking (away from the housing section) centre & edge lines, non-audio line marking centre & edge lines (near the housing section) and RRPMs (raised reflective pavement markers) along the edge lines.

Why is Council lowering the speed limit on Coghlan Road?

This change has been prompted by two serious road accidents and ongoing safety concerns along this stretch, particularly due to the presence of roadside trees, wildlife being struck, narrow road, nearby drains, use of the road by cyclists and turning traffic.

This will extend the current 60km/h zone for approximately 500m, reduced from 80 km/h.

Option to extend the speed reduction further

We are also considering extending the 60 km/h zone a little further - all the way to Cowes–Rhyll Road - and seeking community feedback on whether this proposal is supported (section 2).

While there have been no major accidents recorded in this section, safety concerns remain due to the presence of a roadside drain on the narrow road and the movement of vehicles turning into the Phillip Island Cemetery.

Including this extra section will also mean there is a consistent speed limit along Coghlan Road, rather than changing between
60 km/h and 80km/h which we have heard from the community is frustrating.

Why is Council only asking for feedback about Section 2?

Council follows clear guidelines when considering any changes to speed limits. Usually, like for Section 1, these guidelines are very clear about which limit to apply. However sometimes, like for Section 2, it isn’t as clear or we believe there is an opportunity to make the road experience better for all users, so we ask for the community's view before making a decision.

How will my feedback influence the decision?

While community feedback will be one key consideration, Council will also engage with key agencies such as Victoria Police and the Department of Transport before a final decision is made.