Safer Speed

Find out how the City is reducing speeds on local roads, and the difference this is making for our community.

Why slower speeds matter

Speed management is one of the programs that supports the City's Road Safety Management Plan. Reducing speeds on local roads makes them safer for everyone, drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Slower speeds make a real difference, not just to safety, but to how liveable our neighbourhoods feel.

• 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 serious injury in a crash reduces at slower speeds
• They lower fuel consumption and reduce noise pollution
• Slower speeds do not significantly increase travel time.

40km/hour speed limit on local roads

Local access roads now have a 40km/hour speed limit across the City of Vincent. This change was a key objective of the City's Accessible City Strategy, which aims to create a connected city that puts people first, where getting around is safe, easy, environmentally friendly and enjoyable.

The City is also extending 40km/hour speed limits to some Local Distributor roads, including sections of Flinders Street, Egina Street, Ellesmere Street, Brentham Street, Bourke Street and Redfern Street.

How the 40km/hour speed limit rollout happened

• 2019 to 2021: The City trialled a 40km/h speed limit in the area between Newcastle and Vincent Streets, Charles Street and the river, following community consultation in which most respondents supported the change. The trial was guided by a working group including the Road Safety Commission, Main Roads WA, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, WA Police, WALGA, RAC and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
• 2022: A report by the Office of Road Safety found that, in the three years following the trial, resident support increased by 13 per cent, perceptions of liveability improved by 21 per cent, and 34 per cent of residents said they were more likely to choose walking or riding for local trips. There were also 14 per cent more pedestrians and cyclists observed within the first 12 months.
• 2023: Main Roads WA approved a 40km/h speed limit for all local access roads across the City.
• 2024: 750 new speed signs were installed, completing the rollout on local access roads.
• Now: The City is extending 40km/h speed limits to some Local Distributor roads, including sections of Flinders Street, Egina Street, Ellesmere Street, Brentham Street, Bourke Street and Redfern Street.

Speed Awareness Signs (Smiley Face Signs)

The City uses speed awareness signs, also known as smiley face signs, to encourage safer driving. The signs use radar to detect the speed of approaching vehicles. Drivers travelling within the limit see a green smiley face, while those travelling above the limit see a red face and a reminder to slow down.

A trial of these signs on Ellesmere Street reduced average speeds from 55km/h to 48km/hour, a 13 per cent reduction.

The City runs a three-year rolling program for these signs, prioritising locations where traffic speeds frequently exceed the limit, where safety concerns have been identified through Local Area Traffic Management assessments, or where multiple complaints about speeding have been received.

Speed awareness signs for high-risk school zones

The Road Safety Commission is rolling 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.

Latest updates

Posted 19 May 2026 Safety upgrades planned for Beaufort Street intersections

The City of Vincent is planning a series of major safety and accessibility upgrades along Beaufort Street.

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Posted 18 May 2026 Speed limit reduced to 40km/h for Brisbane Street

The 50 km/h speed limit on Brisbane Street between William and Beaufort Street will be adjusted to 40 km/h.

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Posted 14 May 2026 Speed limit reduced to 40km/h for Vincent Street

The speed limit on Vincent Street between William and Beaufort Street will be adjusted to 40km/h

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Posted 04 May 2026 Speed limit reduced to 50km/h on Lord Street

The existing 60 km/h speed limit on Lord Street between Walcott Street and Brewer Street will be adjusted to the built up area speed limit of 50 km/h.

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Posted 26 November 2025 Vincent responds to traffic safety concerns

Following concerns from East Perth residents regarding increased traffic and speeding along Joel Terrace, the City of Vincent will install temporary speed awareness signs in the area.

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More information and contact

For more information about speed management initiatives contact us. 

See also:

• Road Safety Planning
• Road Management and Responsibilities
• Black Spot Program
• Precinct Transport Studies