Council to consider safer speed limits

Published on 25 June 2020

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Reduced speed limits in Hobart’s CBD and key retail precincts will be considered at a Council meeting next month, following endorsement yesterday by the City Infrastructure Committee. 

The report tabled at the committee meeting cited safety, improved amenity and consistency as the key factors behind a proposal to create uniform 40km/h zones throughout the CBD and in high-pedestrian retail and dining precincts.

“There is currently a combination of disjointed 30, 40 and 50 km/h zones in Hobart’s CBD and waterfront areas, which makes it confusing for motorists,” City Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Bill Harvey said.

“The proposed speed limits would be more consistent and improve safety for all road users and pedestrians.

“Also, lower speeds mean fewer crashes and less severe injuries when crashes do occur.”

The committee acknowledged the significant safety improvements that could be gained from lowering the speed limit in areas where there are high numbers of pedestrians and people accessing on-street parking.

“A speed limit of 40km/h in retail, dining and pedestrian precincts is standard in many Australian cities and towns,” Cr Harvey said. “It’s been demonstrated to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. It makes it easier to get in and out of parking spaces and vehicles safely and improves general amenity for businesses.”

Reduced vehicle speeds would also support actions to widen footpaths and to expand outdoor dining areas, promote active travel, and reduce traffic congestion caused by crashes.

Under the proposal, a clear 30km/h zone would be implemented in the heart of the city centre, connecting existing 30km/h zones.

All other streets within the defined CBD area (exempting the major arterial roads) would be 40km/h zones, to create a single speed limit for the CBD and waterfront streets.

If the recommendation is carried by the full Council on Monday 6 JUly, further engagement will take place prior to a submission being made to the state government requesting the changes be implemented.

PROPOSED 30KM/H ZONES:

  • Elizabeth St between Brisbane and Davey sts
  • Collins St and Liverpool St between Murray and Argyle sts

These would link with existing 30km/h zones in Elizabeth St, Liverpool St and Collins St for greater consistency.

PROPOSED CBD 40KM/H ZONES:

  • Melville St and Bathurst St between Harrington and Campbell sts
  • Harrington St, Murray St, Argyle St and Campbell St between Melville and Davey sts
  • Liverpool St and Collins St between Harrington and Murray, and between Argyle and Campbell sts
  • Market Place, Kemp Street, Trafalgar Place, Purdys Mart, Wellington Court,

Harrington Lane, Watchorn Street, Victoria Street, and Bidenscope Lane

RETAL PRECINTS

A 40km/h speed limit is proposed between from 7 am and 7 pm Monday to Thursday, and 7 am and 10 pm Friday to Sunday:

  • Lenah Valley
  • Sandy Bay
  • New Town
  • North Hobart
  • South Hobart

 

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