Charles Sturt Council to investigate 40km/h speed limit on all side streets
A PUSH to reduce speed limits to 40km/h across a large council in Adelaide’s west is gaining momentum and is to be formally investigated. Take our poll to tell us what you think of the planned slow-down.
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A 40KM/H speed limit would apply on all side streets in Charles Sturt under a proposal the council is investigating.
Councillors this week asked staff to prepare a report on how best to achieve lower speed limits in residential streets across the city.
Some streets in Bowden, Brompton, Ovingham, Grange, Henley Beach, Tennyson and Woodville West already have 40km/h limits.
Councillors voted to start the process to create a new 40km/h zone on streets bounded by Trimmer Parade, Tapleys Hill, Grange and Findon roads.
Any changes would not apply to State Government-controlled main and arterial roads.
Charles Sturt chief executive Paul Sutton said the council had not yet formed a view on a district-wide 40km/h zone, but that was an “expected outcome” of an elected members’ workshop planned for September 21.
Mr Sutton said the council was “actively working towards a lower-speed environment”.
“Changing the way local streets are used improves the quality of life and amenity for residents, with the streets becoming places for people, not just for traffic,” Mr Sutton said.
He would not say how much changing speed limits would cost, only that it was “dependent on the extent of consultation, amount of signage and road marking”.
The council has been examining the need for lower speed limits in designated areas since March, but this is the first clear sign it is open to a district-wide model.
To reduce speed limits, the council would be required to undertake community consultation in the target areas before seeking approval from Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan.
It would require at least 30 per cent of residents to respond to the consultation, and two-thirds of those would need to support lower speed limits.
Findon ward councillor Paul Sykes, who called for the report on the district-wide 40km/h zone, said lower speeds limits would improve road safety and potentially save lives.
“One of the most difficult conversations I’ve had as a councillor was with a father whose daughter was killed when hit by a car,” Cr Sykes said.
“He asked me to support a 40km/h limit in the hope that others would not have to share the same experiences.”
RAA automotive policy manager Mark Borlace supported lowering speeds on “destination streets”, such as in Henley Beach, but warned against a council-wide approach.
“Reduced speed limit should cater to the exception, not the rule, and this is likely to cause confusion among motorists,” Mr Borlace said.
Bike SA chief executive Christian Haag said 40km/h speed limits increased safety and encouraged walking and cycling.
In 1999, Unley become the first SA council to introduce district-wide 40km/h limits, while Norwood, Payneham & St Peters council this month started community consultation on making the same move.