Letters have been sent to affected residents just days before a controversial new road-rule change comes into effect.
Across Sydney’s Inner West, speed limits on local roads will be slashed to 40 kilometres per hour on May 18, as more local government areas around the country move to slow down traffic.
The changes, which will impact suburbs including Leichhardt and Annadale, form part of a broader push by Inner West Council to reduce speeds on local streets in a bid to improve safety and neighbourhood liveability.
In a letter sent to residents, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the changes were aimed at making streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, with more reductions to come.
“Reducing speeds on local streets has been demonstrated to significantly reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities as well as improving the amenity and liveability of our neighbourhoods,” Mayor Darcy Byrne said.
“All of this can be achieved with minimal delay to travel times for motorists, and increases the potential to improve bus travel times.
“Community consultation was undertaken prior to this decision, and the majority of respondents expressed support.”
What impact do reduced speed limits have?
Findings from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) provide strong evidence that 40 km/h zones can make a meaningful difference, particularly for pedestrians.
Yahoo News Australia spoke with Professor Stuart Newstead, Director of MUARC, who shared why he’s so enthusiastic about cutting speed on roads.
Do you have something to say about speed limits? Contact joe.attanasio@yahooinc.com
The City of Perth recently voted to lower speed limits on certain roads. Source: City of Vincent/City of Perth
“Our study shows that implementing 40 km/h zones has proven benefit in reducing crash and injury rates, especially in areas where pedestrians are most at risk,” he said last month.
“Expanding these lower speed zones in local streets and busy pedestrian areas could contribute significantly to reducing road trauma.”
The idea of reducing speed limits isn’t always popular among motorists.
Yahoo News Australia recently polled more than 14,000 readers, with 86 per cent saying they opposed reducing speed limits.
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However, research consistently shows 40km/h speed limits can drastically improve road safety. Nationally, several jurisdictions have recently made the switch. They include parts of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Professor Stuart Newstead, Director of MUARC, is among a growing number of academics who believe lowering speed limits will increase pedestrian safety. Source: Monash University/Getty
Areas with high concentrations of vulnerable road users — such as shopping precincts, transport hubs, schools, and entertainment districts — benefit the most.
The slower speeds place pedestrians and cyclists into a “survivability zone” if a crash occurs, significantly reducing the likelihood of serious injury or death, Professor Newstead said.
What’s changing in Sydney’s Inner West?
Under the changes, local roads throughout Annandale and Leichhardt will drop from 50km/h to 40km/h.
Several major roads — including Balmain Road, Booth Street, Brown Street, Collins Street, Hathern Street, Leichhardt Street, Marion Street, Moore Street and The Crescent — will also be reduced to 40km/h by the NSW Government.
Similar limits have already been introduced in other suburbs including Enmore, Tempe, Marrickville, St Peters, Stanmore, Petersham and Sydenham.
The rollout has been funded in part by Transport for NSW, with the council indicating more 40km/h zones could be introduced across the Inner West in future.
Yahoo has sought comment from the Inner West about which roads will be impacted in future.
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