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Wednesday 12 May 2021
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‘Lowlifes’ ruin Mother’s Day
Break in: Ian and Carmel Cuthbertson are hoping for the speedy return of their stolen mobility scooter. Picture: Gary Sissons
MOTHER’S Day is not supposed to be disappointing, but that’s how Carmel Cuthbertson of Hastings felt when she discovered her mobility scooter had been stolen overnight, Sunday 9 May. The Pride three-wheeler, which is also Ms Cuthbertson’s pride and joy, is red with grey tyres. It has a basket on the front and carrier bag behind. Husband Ian said the thieves had somehow opened a bike lock on the gate from Elizabeth Street. “We heard the dogs barking late at night but didn’t think anything of it,” he said. “When I went out in the morning I noticed the gate slightly open and, when Carmel asked if I’d noticed the scooter missing, I realised that was why [the dogs were barking].” The thieves also took the charger for the scooter, which will sadly make life even harder for Ms Cuthbertson, who is suffering from cancer. The scooter will probably cost about $5000 to replace. “She needs it to get around,” Mr Cuthbertson said. “Those low-lifes certainly wrecked her Mother’s Day.” Unlike the culprits who took the scooter, the Cuthbertsons are givers – not takers. Mr Cuthbertson has manned the rescue radio for Volunteer Marine Rescue at Western Port for 50 years after serving in the Coast Guard and CFA. He retired from the Defence Force in 1991. Ms Cuthbertson has served in the CFA and SES for many years. The scooter is an important part of their lives. “We will pay a reward for the scooter’s safe return,” he said. Hastings police are investigating the theft. Anyone with information is urged to call them on 5970 7800 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. Stephen Taylor
Thumbs up to cut road speed Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au FOUR people have died so far this year on peninsula roads, but no deaths have been recorded on the 33 roads where speed limits have been set at 80kph. The speed cuts from 100kph and 90kph to 80kph were introduced in December 2019 on about 110 kilometres of selected Mornington Peninsula
Shire-managed roads as part of a twoyear trial. Now, half way into the trial, results of an online and phone survey into public acceptance of reducing speeds shows 59 per cent of the 1059 respondents in support and 21 per cent against. A further seven 7 per cent were strongly opposed to the speed trial while 20 per cent were neutral. In 2020, a year where COVID-19 saw road use drop, the peninsula re-
corded nine deaths; in 2019 there were 12 road fatalities. Many of the 33 “high risk sealed rural roads” chosen for the trial had a significant history of road deaths and injuries, and high crash risk rating when speed limits of 100kph and 90kph applied. National and international research has shown that a relatively small reduction in average vehicle speeds leads to a large decrease in road trauma.
COME AND SEE THE CHICKENS ROAMING FREE IN THE PADDOCK!
Councillors have been told that setting 80kph speed limits on high risk rural roads, deaths and serious injuries are expected to drop by 30 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. The speed trial is part of a five-year strategy aimed at eliminating road deaths on the peninsula, with safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and safer drivers (“Strategy to end deaths on peninsula roads” The News 29/6/20).
It also comes at a time when the RACV is compiling a list of the Mornington Peninsula’s most dangerous roads so it can lobby governments at all levels to make roads safer and look at lowering speed limits to match conditions (“Defining ‘danger’ roads” The News 15/3/21). The trial was established to analyse quantitative and qualitative information about crash statistics, vehicle speeds, and the community’s views. Continued Page 8
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