Fifteen deaths since 2001 spark calls to fix Tasmania's Bass Highway
Fifteen people have died on a Bass Highway stretch since 2001, and locals are pushing for speed limit cuts and repairs.
A triple fatality on September 4 at the Bass Highway's Gannons Hill Road junction has reignited calls for speed limit cuts and road repairs. The same stretch between Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Gannons Hill Road has seen 15 deaths and 31 serious injuries since 2001.
Ross Currant, general manager of ETC Bakery Cafe in Elizabeth Town, said the road's condition makes it unsafe. Poorly repaired potholes destroy tyres and pose dangers to motorcyclists riding at 110 kilometres per hour.
Ross Currant also cited poor lighting and called Tasmania's highway standard absolutely terrible compared to mainland roads. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent declined to directly answer questions about speed limit reductions.
He said crash data is reviewed by experts. A speed limit decision rests with Tasmania's independent transport commissioner.
- Triple fatality on September 4
- Trigger incident
- 110 kilometres per hour
- Speed on the road
Why it mattersMultiple deaths and poor road conditions on the Bass Highway highlight urgent need for repairs and safety improvements.
AustraliaTasmanian drivers and residents on the South Coast face ongoing risk on a major highway corridor, with no announced safety improvements despite decades of fatalities.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
