This significant rule change may slow Aussie motorists down soon. Here's why
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When on the road, we look out not just for our safety but also those of pedestrians
Navigating Australian roads could soon take on a different pace, especially in areas bustling with the laughter and footsteps of children.
In a move that could redefine suburban life, Infrastructure Victoria proposed a significant reduction in speed limits in the state.
From the standard 50 km/h speed limit, the independent advisory body advised changing the speed limit to a more cautious 30 km/h.
These changes should be applicable in areas frequented by children and minors.
Sobering statistics and a commitment to public safety backed Infrastructure Victoria's recommendation.
Every year, seven children lose their lives on Victorian roads, and approximately 300 children sustain serious injuries.
These accidents predominantly happen on local streets where the current speed limit is 50 km/h.
A Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) research indicated that 1,300 people died on Australian roads in 2024, which marked a four-year surge in road deaths.
The 2024 figure was the highest since 2012 and represented an 18.5 per cent increase from 2021.
According to Infrastructure Victoria's Chief Executive, Dr Jonathan Spear, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 50 km/h may have an 85 per cent chance of dying.
However, this risk could plummet significantly to 10 per cent if the vehicle is travelling at 30 km/h.
The proposed rollout should initially target school zones before expanding to the majority of suburban streets.
Some local councils, including the City of Yarra, have already started implementing 30 km/h zones in neighbourhoods like Fitzroy and Collingwood.
However, this trial excluded major arterial roads.
Other major cities, such as Sydney, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, have followed suit or have started considering similar measures.
Dr Spear argued that this reduction in speed limits on local streets would have a minimal impact on travel times.
Yet, this change could significantly decrease the number of fatalities and serious injuries.
This change could be relevant for senior Victorians as well, who face a higher risk of fatal traffic accidents.
Infrastructure Victoria's draft strategy outlined 43 recommendations that should be implemented within five years, with seven longer-term 'future options'.
The advisory body also urged the government to collaborate with local councils to implement the changes on all streets with speed limits of 50 km/h or lower.
The estimated cost of reducing speed limits is between $35 and $45 million, which would cover new signage and be further enhanced by improving footpaths and adding crossings.
Dr Lauren Pearson, from the Sustainable Mobility and Safety Research Group at Monash University, endorsed the initiative.
Dr Pearson called the proposal 'the most cost-effective interventions we can use to enhance the safety and liveability of local streets.'
International examples bolstered Infrastructure Victoria's case for reduced speed limits.
Toronto, Canada, saw a 67 per cent decrease in injuries after implementing 30 km/h speed zones.
London, United Kingdom, saw a 46 per cent drop in fatal and serious injuries in areas with 30 km/h speeds, with an additional eight per cent reduction in adjacent areas.
Despite these successes abroad, Australia needs to be up to speed with these road safety rules.
How do you feel about the proposed speed limit reduction? Will it make Aussie streets safer, or do you have concerns about its possible impact on daily routines? Your insights are valuable, and we encourage everyone to share their thoughts about these proposed changes in the comments section.
Navigating Australian roads could soon take on a different pace, especially in areas bustling with the laughter and footsteps of children.
In a move that could redefine suburban life, Infrastructure Victoria proposed a significant reduction in speed limits in the state.
From the standard 50 km/h speed limit, the independent advisory body advised changing the speed limit to a more cautious 30 km/h.
These changes should be applicable in areas frequented by children and minors.
Sobering statistics and a commitment to public safety backed Infrastructure Victoria's recommendation.
Infrastructure Victoria wanted to change speed limits with their recommendation. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay
Every year, seven children lose their lives on Victorian roads, and approximately 300 children sustain serious injuries.
These accidents predominantly happen on local streets where the current speed limit is 50 km/h.
A Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) research indicated that 1,300 people died on Australian roads in 2024, which marked a four-year surge in road deaths.
The 2024 figure was the highest since 2012 and represented an 18.5 per cent increase from 2021.
According to Infrastructure Victoria's Chief Executive, Dr Jonathan Spear, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 50 km/h may have an 85 per cent chance of dying.
However, this risk could plummet significantly to 10 per cent if the vehicle is travelling at 30 km/h.
The proposed rollout should initially target school zones before expanding to the majority of suburban streets.
Some local councils, including the City of Yarra, have already started implementing 30 km/h zones in neighbourhoods like Fitzroy and Collingwood.
However, this trial excluded major arterial roads.
Other major cities, such as Sydney, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, have followed suit or have started considering similar measures.
Dr Spear argued that this reduction in speed limits on local streets would have a minimal impact on travel times.
Yet, this change could significantly decrease the number of fatalities and serious injuries.
This change could be relevant for senior Victorians as well, who face a higher risk of fatal traffic accidents.
Infrastructure Victoria's draft strategy outlined 43 recommendations that should be implemented within five years, with seven longer-term 'future options'.
The advisory body also urged the government to collaborate with local councils to implement the changes on all streets with speed limits of 50 km/h or lower.
The estimated cost of reducing speed limits is between $35 and $45 million, which would cover new signage and be further enhanced by improving footpaths and adding crossings.
Dr Lauren Pearson, from the Sustainable Mobility and Safety Research Group at Monash University, endorsed the initiative.
Dr Pearson called the proposal 'the most cost-effective interventions we can use to enhance the safety and liveability of local streets.'
International examples bolstered Infrastructure Victoria's case for reduced speed limits.
Toronto, Canada, saw a 67 per cent decrease in injuries after implementing 30 km/h speed zones.
London, United Kingdom, saw a 46 per cent drop in fatal and serious injuries in areas with 30 km/h speeds, with an additional eight per cent reduction in adjacent areas.
Despite these successes abroad, Australia needs to be up to speed with these road safety rules.
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