Council Notes Princes Highway Speed Limit Request

Published on 25 August 2026

Colac Otway Shire Council has considered a community request seeking a reduction in the speed limit on a section of the Princes Highway at Colac West.

At its meeting on Tuesday, Council received and noted a joint letter from residents and visitors associated with the Colac Otway Caravan and Cabin Park requesting advocacy for a lower speed limit on the section of Princes Highway, adjacent to the park.

The submission raised concerns about vehicle speeds, traffic noise and safety, and requested that Council advocate to the Department of Transport and Planning, which is responsible for managing the Princes Highway and setting speed limits on the road.

Council noted advice from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) that the existing speed limit remains appropriate.

Mayor Jason Schram said Council appreciated community members taking the time to raise their concerns and acknowledged the importance of ensuring residents feel heard on matters affecting their daily lives.

"Council values community feedback and understands the concerns that have been raised regarding traffic speeds, road safety and noise impacts in this area," Cr Schram said.

"While Council does not have authority to set speed limits on the Princes Highway, we have ensured the request was referred to the appropriate State Government authority for consideration."

Council's Engineering Team discussed the request with DTP, which subsequently undertook its own assessment of the location.

Following that assessment, DTP advised that it does not support a reduction in the speed limit to 60 km/h and considers the current speed limit to be appropriate.

In its advice, DTP noted that speed limits on arterial roads are determined using a range of factors, including road safety, traffic efficiency, surrounding road environments, access points, adjacent speed zones, road user needs and crash history.

Cr Schram said Council recognised that decisions regarding speed limits on arterial roads rested with the State Government.

"We understand this outcome may be disappointing for the submitters, however DTP has advised that based on its assessment, the current speed limit remains appropriate for this section of road," Cr Schram said.