Ōhope surf instructor Ollie Dobbin, owner of Salt Spray Surf School, has launched a petition to lower the speed limit on West End Road after a tragic incident in which his Jack Russell dog, Maggie, was struck and killed by a distracted driver.
A Wake-Up Call:
Dobbin was devastated when Maggie, who lived across the road from the surf school, was run over by a car. He rushed to her side, but she died in his arms. He recalled the driver’s lack of attention, noting that it wouldn’t have mattered if Maggie were a dog or a child. This heart-wrenching experience spurred him into action, urging for a change in traffic safety measures.
Safety Concerns on West End Road:
Dobbin spends much of his time along the 1.3-kilometre coastal road, a popular area for surfers and beachgoers. He has witnessed numerous near-misses over the years and voiced concerns about the ongoing safety risks, especially considering the combination of the 50km/h speed limit, roadside parking, and the area’s popularity.
In a meeting with the Whakatāne District Council’s Infrastructure and Planning Committee, Dobbin advocated for reducing the speed limit to 30km/h on a section of West End Road, with an even lower 10km/h limit around the turn-around area near the toilets. He also called for traffic calming measures, such as judder bars and planter boxes, similar to those seen on Muriwai Drive near The Heads.
Community Support:
The petition, signed by more than 100 residents and frequent visitors of the surf beach, underscores the urgency of the matter. Feedback revealed that 90% of West End residents had seen cars speeding, 95% had witnessed distracted drivers, and 70% had observed near-miss incidents. Dobbin highlighted the distractions caused by the beautiful coastal view, which often takes drivers’ attention off the road.
Dobbin emphasized that the road’s status as a no-exit route means that reducing the speed limit wouldn’t inconvenience through-traffic, making the change a practical solution to improving safety.
A Call for Action:
With no opposition to the speed limit reduction, Dobbin warned that if no action is taken, it is only a matter of time before another accident occurs. As a frequent presence on the road, Dobbin expressed concern that he might be the first responder to a future incident, urging for immediate attention.
The Whakatāne District Council is set to begin public consultations on proposed speed limit reductions at the end of April. West End Road is one of 17 roads in the district where speed limits are being reviewed. If approved, the changes would include lowering speeds to increase safety for both residents and beachgoers.
The council is also considering the creation of a subcommittee to oversee the final approval of these speed changes.
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