40KM/H Speed Zone Trial
The City of Vincent’s 40km/h speed zone trial will start on 29 April in Vincent’s southern suburban areas. The two-year trial aims to study the impact of slower speed limits in residential areas, with independent research supported by the Road Safety Commission.
Prior research has shown that lowered speed limits make streets safer for all road users, contribute to more connected communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and only have a minor impact on average journey times. We’d like to put that research to the test and see if lowered speeds can have similar benefits for Vincent.
In July 2018, we asked our community what they thought of a 40km/h speed zone trial. Our survey revealed two main concerns - making streets safer for all road users and enhancing the neighbourhood feel of the streets. We hope this trial demonstrates safer, more welcoming streets, where people are more likely to ride and walk, and kids feel safe playing outdoors.
Key information
The two-year trial will start on 29 April 2019 and take place in local residential streets in the areas bounded by Newcastle, Vincent and Charles Streets and the Swan River. Main distributor roads will stay at their current speed limits, with the exception of part of Vincent Street near the Hyde Park water playground.
Map of trial area
A working party has been established to provide guidance for the trial’s implementation, including 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.
Over the coming weeks, 40km/h road signs will be put in place and covered until the trial starts.
To sign up for project updates and provide project feedback, visit Imagine Vincent.
Imagine Vincent - 40km/h Speed Zone Trial
Useful Resources
Evaluation of 40km/h speed limit for local streets in the City of Charles Sturt
Pages 13 onwards provides a good overview of the science behind lower speeds and pedestrian survivability. The average pedestrian likelihood of surviving a crash when hit at 30km/h is 90% - this significantly decreases as the speed goes upwards.
Nilsson's Power Model Connecting Speed and Road Trauma: Does it apply on urban roads?
Speed Limit Setting and the Safe System Principle
Provides an overview of Safe System, from across Australia and mechanisms to counteract community attitudes to shift and promote better acceptance of safer speeds.