Low speed zones tipped to accelerate national change

Lowering speed limits to 30km/h could become more widespread across Australia as Victoria expands trials in busy local road areas. The state government is providing funding grants to four councils for these trials, targeting locations like Melbourne's Chapel Street and areas in Brunswick and Coburg.

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The rate of severe injury is one in four at 40km/h impact speed and it’s one in two or one in three at 50km/h.

These initiatives build on existing 30km/h zones, such as those piloted in parts of Fitzroy and Collingwood by the City of Yarra since 2018. Experts like Afshin Jafari, a specialist in sustainable transport, argue that such measures are essential for protecting vulnerable road users. Jafari's research indicates that severe injury rates drop significantly with reduced impact speeds, and modeling suggests that lowering limits from 50km/h to 30km/h could double safe riding chances while only slightly increasing car travel times.

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The main barrier here is people’s perception of it increasing travel time by a lot and making congestion worse.

Despite potential public concerns about increased travel times and congestion, Jafari believes that successful trials will alleviate these barriers. Lauren Pearson from Monash University's Sustainable Mobility & Safety Research Group points to international examples, noting widespread use of 30km/h limits in Europe, the UK, North America, and New Zealand. London, for instance, saw a 46% reduction in fatal and serious injuries in areas with lower speed limits.

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In London, there was a 46 per cent reduction in fatal and serious injuries and then an eight per cent reduction in adjacent areas.

Victoria's updated speed zoning policy makes it easier for councils to implement 30km/h limits, though final approval remains with the state. While Australia's adoption of these zones has been slower and more fragmented compared to other regions, trial data could pave the way for broader implementation, potentially extending to regional towns. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stated that the government will monitor the trials to assess their impact on road safety before making any definitive decisions.

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I want to make clear that no decision has been made.