Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Call for 40 kph in all residential streets

Concerned about matters affecting the safety and lifestyle of its residents, the City of Unley has produced a landmark report covering its five year trial of a 40 kilometres per hour residential speed limit.

Located in inner urban Adelaide, Unley Council is urging the Minister for Transport that 40 kph local area speed zones be available as a traffic management device for local Councils. Its five year trial found that 40 kph was safe, convenient and popular.

In good conditions, at 40 kph the average driver spotting danger, such as a child running onto the road, can stop in around 28 metres. At 60 kph, the same driver will take over 50 metres to stop. In most suburban streets, the extra 20 kph can mean the difference between life and death.

Unley found that in the trial area, drivers' average speeds fell below 40 kph without heavy police enforcement. At this speed, cars use less fuel, produce less air pollution and noise and create less stress for drivers and pedestrians. Evidence showed that, over time, drivers came to understand the benefits and respect the speed limit without coercion.

People are safe and feel safer, with the streets becoming a better place. Moreover, the residential speed zones are far cheaper than other traffic calming devices such as speed humps, plateaux and roundabouts.

Mayor of Unley, Michael Keenan, is concerned that a compromise of 50 kph is gaining popularity in political circles. This matter will be considered at the National Conference of Transport Ministers later this year.

Council believes people's lives are not a matter of compromise, that 40 kilometres per hour is the appropriate speed that should be applied in all residential streets nation wide.

For further information contact Robert Bath, Corporate and Community Relations Officer, telephone (08) 8372 5118.

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