New 40kmh speed signs will be installed in residential streets in the City of Vincent over coming weeks, in preparation for a trial of lower urban speed limits.
The new speed limits, which come into effect from April 29, will operate in the areas bounded by Newcastle, Vincent and Charles streets, and the Swan River.
Main arterial roads will stay at their current speed limits, with the exception of part of Vincent Street near the Hyde Park water playground.
A working group of relevant government agencies including the Road Safety Commission and WA Police Force are working with the City of Vincent to implement the trial.
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts congratulated City of Vincent Mayor Emma Cole on taking up the State Government’s offer to work with the City on the trial.
As noted by Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts:
“Moving to 40kmh residential zones is something I first raised at a community safety meeting hosted by John Carey in North Perth last year.
“This is all about making neighbourhood streets safer for all road users including cyclists, pedestrians, the elderly and children.
“It’s also about making our inner city streets better places to live.
“We know that dropping 10kmh off a speed limit makes a big difference to the stopping distance of a vehicle.
“It can be the difference between life and death for a cyclist or pedestrian, or between hospitalisation or walking away.
“This is an initiative that I’m confident once experienced will be taken up in many other local government areas.”
As noted by Perth MLA John Carey:
“Great liveable neighbourhoods encourage people to walk, cycle and gather in the streets.
“A slow speed environment does just this by making it a safe place for pedestrians, in particular for children who play on the verge or walk to school.
“I look forward to the outcomes of the research – and its confirmation of the benefits of slower speeds for residential streets, as demonstrated by research around the world.”
