More than half the vehicles on Paterson’s main street go faster than the 50km/h speed limit, according to a Dungog council traffic study.
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Paterson Progress Association president John McNally says instances of deliberate speeding, of 70km/h or faster is a serious problem in the otherwise quiet town.
Residents have called for a bi-directional fixed speed camera to be installed on Tocal Road, between William Street and Prince Street, to stop rampant speeding through the village.
Mr McNally said Tocal Road was the busiest street in Dungog Shire and had an average of 4000 vehicle movements each day.
He said a recent traffic study showed that 56 per cent of vehicles exceeded the speed limit on Tocal Road, Paterson, in a single week, with one vehicle recorded travelling at 120km/h.
“Had all drivers been booked that week $2.5 million would have been collected in fines and 200-plus licences suspended,” Mr McNally told the Mercury.
“The offending demographic includes mothers on the school run, four-wheel-drives pulling excavators, horse trailers or caravans, delivery vehicles, early-morning commuters, tradies, farmers and trucks in general.
“Offending occurs at all hours of the day and night.”
Mr McNally said development to the north of Paterson had increased the traffic volume through the town.
“The 50km/h limit is there for safety reasons,” he said.
“If you doubt that, try exiting Sloan Street, Albert Street or Prince Street.
“It’s bad enough when the traffic is travelling within the limit, never mind at close to twice the limit [which is] not uncommon.”
Cr Robert Booth said the matter had been referred to Dungog Shire Council’s traffic committee.
He said there was a perceived need for a speed camera in Paterson, after a council traffic study conducted in the past 18 months showed that more than 50 per cent of vehicles broke the speed limit in town’s main street.
“We are at the very infant stages of discussion [about a speed camera],” Cr Booth said.
“The economics of putting it in are certainly there and we have documentary evidence of the predominance of people speeding.
“We are in the early stages of getting it done.”