Melton councillors have unanimously approved a traffic management plan for Diggers Rest, despite resident objections.
As reported by the Weekly, the plan is part of a broader study being carried out ahead of a substantial population increase expected in coming years.
Twenty-one speed humps will be installed across the town and speed limits decreased on some roads.
There is a long-term plan to close one end of Welcome Road to reduce train station traffic, making the area more friendly for pedestrians.
Council engineering services manager Les Stokes said speed humps were needed to stop hoon drivers.
Cr Lara Carli said a report showing vehicle speeds in Diggers Rest were among the highest on residential streets in Melton was her main reason for supporting the plan.
Cr Sophie Ramsey said some residents were concerned about the eventual closure of Welcome Road and moved that the public be consulted before the intersection was closed. This was supported by all councillors.
Mr Stokes said a decision to prevent right turns in or out of Welcome Road from Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road could reduce the need for the closure.
He also sought to end confusion about a risk analysis conducted by the council.
“We engaged a traffic consultant to investigate the risks of road safety in Diggers Rest, and they came up with a list of recommendations … the council is exposed to a risk if they choose to ignore them,’’ he said.
“Council conducts traffic-management studies to identify road safety issues and recommends improvement projects to treat them.
‘‘They are not conducted to prevent litigation, nor could they.”
Works in the plan will be added to future capital works budgets.
