North Adelaide Retail Strip May See Speed Limit Drop to 40 km/h for Safety

Commuters in North Adelaide may soon see the speed limit on a key thoroughfare reduced to 40 kilometers per hour, following a motion put forward to the Adelaide City Council. North Ward Councillor Phillip Martin is championing the proposal, which is driven by a petition from local residents seeking enhanced safety along the strip, currently subject to a 50 km/h limit.

Councillor Martin stated he is responding to pressure from North Adelaide residents who prioritize safety and a more livable neighborhood. "People who've moved to this area want to see slower speeds and better outcomes for the neighbourhood," he said. "That means less risk of death through collision with vehicles. It also means lower noise levels."

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I'm responding to pressure from residents in North Adelaide who are concerned for their safety.

The proposed speed limit reduction is part of the broader $25 million O'Connell Street Revitalization Project, aimed at improving public safety and accessibility. O'Connell Street is a major artery, serving over 200 retail stores and experiencing significant traffic, with approximately 34,000 vehicles passing through daily.

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People who've moved to this area want to see slower speeds and better outcomes for the neighbourhood. That means less risk of death through collision with vehicles. It also means lower noise levels.

Data from the National Road Safety Strategy indicates a stark increase in pedestrian fatality risk with higher speeds; a pedestrian has a 10% chance of being killed if struck at 30 km/h, but this jumps to 90% at 50 km/h. "There is no question that reducing speeds from 50 to 40 kilometres will reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities," Cr Martin asserted.

Local businesses and residents have voiced support. Michael Elmerhev, manager of St Georges Bakehouse, noted customer complaints about noise and speeding. "Doing 40 kilometers was much better than 50," he said, adding that "lots of people are complaining about it, especially the old people. People speeding past, loud cars. It's kind of dangerous."

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There is no question that reducing speeds from 50 to 40 kilometres will reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities.

Resident Kelley Durham shared a personal near-miss experience and believes the reduction would significantly improve safety, especially for children walking in the area after school. The council has also announced plans to reduce the speed limit on Melbourne Street, another North Adelaide road, to 40 km/h in the coming weeks.

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Doing 40 kilometers was much better than 50. Lots of people are complaining about it, especially the old people. People speeding past, loud cars. It's kind of dangerous.