'GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME' URGE NATS

The Nationals have supported plans to improve speed zone management in Victoria and urged the Minister for Transport Peter Batchelor 'to get it right this time'.

The Nationals Education Spokesman Peter Hall said the confusion on Victorian roads in relation to speed limits, particularly around schools, had been created by the government's poor implementation of the new zones.

"The Nationals have been strong supporters of lowering the speed limit around schools during the critical drop-off and pick-up times when it can be quite chaotic around our schoolyards," Mr Hall said.

"But there has been too much confusion with the current system and too much uncertainty for motorists.

"We have lobbied the government over the past 12 months in a bid to improve safety for Victorian school children and the wider school community.

"I welcome the Minister's announcement that speed zones are going to be made simpler and clearer for motorists and I look forward to the rollout of an improved system."

Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan has also called on the government to release the details of the Speed Limits Advisory Group review into speed zones which has led to the changes announced this week.

"The advisory group made recommendations to the government at the end of 2005 and the full report should be made available to the public," Mr Ryan said.

"The public has a right to know what recommendations have been supported by the government and which recommendations have been ignored.

"There are too many different speed zones in our country towns at the moment and the confusion is understandable. Upon entering a major country town the motorist may drop from a 110km/h zone, to a 100km/h zone, followed by 80, 60, 50 and possibly a few areas of 40km/h around schools.

"Hopefully the new arrangements will overcome this confusion."

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066