Benefits

We know that reduced speed limits make roads safer for all road users, but they also contribute to more active and liveable neighbourhoods.

Some of the benefits of slower speeds are:

• lower speeds encourage better interaction between drivers, pedestrians and cyclists
• they help create more attractive and connected communities
• they make neighbourhoods safer
• the risk of trauma in an accident reduces at slower speeds
• they lower fuel consumption which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions
• there is less noise pollution
• slower speeds do not cut travel time significantly

Milestones

Trial

Vincent commenced an evidence-based trial of a 40km/h speed limit in April 2019. The two-year trial took place in the area between Newcastle and Vincent Streets, between Charles Street and the river. Residential streets in the trial area had a speed limit reduction from 50km/h to 40km/h.

The trial followed extensive consultation. In July 2018, we asked the community what they thought of a 40km/h speed zone trial, with the majority of respondents in favour.

After approval from Council to proceed, a working party was established to provide guidance for the trial’s implementation. The working group included members from the City of Vincent, Road Safety Commission, Main Roads WA, Department of Transport, WA Police Force, WA Local Government Association, RAC and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Results

At the end of the trial, Vincent invited feedback from the community. The majority of respondents supported a drop in speed on local roads from 50km/h to 40km/h.

A report by the Office of Road Safety, found in the three years post the trial commencement, residents’ surveys demonstrated a 13 per cent increase in resident support for the trial, a 21 per cent increase in the perception of improved liveability, with 34 per cent being more likely to choose walking or riding over local car trips.

Some crash reduction effect and increases in walking and cycling were also observed through the trial, with 14 per cent more pedestrians and cyclists observed within the first 12 months.

Roll-out

In 2023, Main Roads WA approved a speed reduction from 50km/h to 40km/h on all local access roads in Vincent.

After years of lobbying, engagement and trialing, the permanent 40km/h speed zones have been rolled out.

Installation of 750 new 40km/h speed signs were completed in 2024.

Once drivers see a new 40km/h sign on a street, that is the green light to slow down and drive at the new speed limit.

How the signs work

Speed awareness signs use radar technology to detect the speed of approaching vehicles and provide a visual reminder for drivers to check their speed.

• When a driver is travelling within the speed limit the sign displays a green smiley face.
• When a driver is travelling above the speed limit the sign displays a red sad face and a prompt to 'slow down'. 

The signs also collect data that helps us to monitor traffic conditions and identify speeding trends. 

Sign locations

Speed awareness sings are solar powered and can be moved between locations. Locations for speed awareness signs are identified 

We identify locations for the signs using a combination of traffic data and community feedback and prioritise streets where.

• Traffic speeds frequently exceed the speed limit.
• Safety concerns have been identified in Local Area Traffic Management assessments.
• We have received multiple complaints about speeding.

Current locations

Upcoming locations

State Government road safety initiative

The Road Safety Commission has announced it will roll out 100 speed awareness signs for high-risk school zones across the state as part of the State Government Road Safety Reform Package

The City will share further information if locations within Vincent are included in this program.

For more information about the Speed Awareness Signs Program, please contact our Engineering team here.