Burnside Council facing blanket 40km/h speed limit backlash

ALMOST 70 per cent of Burnside residents oppose a blanket 40km/h speed limit across the district, a survey shows.

Speed Cameras and 40kmph Signs

ALMOST 70 per cent of Burnside residents oppose a blanket 40km/h speed limit across the district, a new survey shows.

Burnside Council last week released the results of its annual community survey, which showed only 256 of 800 residents – or 32 per cent of respondents – backed lower speed limits.

The study showed Kensington Park residents were most opposed to 40km/h zones – with 101 of 149 respondents against the go-slow push.

Residents aged over 85 were the only demographic in favour of slower speeds on local streets – 23 of 44 respondents – although only 50 per cent of people in that age group had a licence.

The RAA and Burnside Residents Group were not surprised by the survey results, saying 40km/h limits were only necessary in specific locations and after extensive community consultation.

RAA senior road safety manager Charles Mountain said 40km/h limits should only be in place where there was a “demonstrated need” for lower traffic speeds, such as near shopping centres.

Burnside Residents Group president Anna Sullivan said a “blanket” speed limit reduction “seemed unreasonable”.

“Whatever is proposed, the council would need to consult extensively with the residents who would be affected,” Dr Sullivan said.

Results of the survey come as Burnside Council prepares to release findings from community consultation on a proposed 12-month trial of 40km/h speed limits in Beulah Park and parts of Kensington Park.

Burnside Council acting chief executive Louise Miller-Frost said a report on consultation would be presented to councillors in February.

Ms Miller-Frost said the results of the community survey would be included in the report.

To reduce speed limits in a suburb, a council is required to undertake community consultation in the target areas before seeking approval from the State Government.

At least 30 per cent of residents need to respond to the consultation, and two-thirds of those need to support lower speed limits.

Burnside Council spent $40,000 on the survey, which was conducted by market research firm newfocus.