Ipswich City Council given greenlight to launch speed limit investigation in CBD

Ipswich City Council will investigate lowering speed limits on several CBD streets to improve safety.

Ipswich City Council have been given the greenlight to launch an investigation of the speed limits of several of the city’s CBD streets amid concerns for pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety.

A review will consider whether lowering the speed limit on streets including Roderick Street, Bremer Street, Milford Street and more.

The council received funding from the Queensland Government’s Vulnerable Road Users Program to launch the review.

“We are asking all sections of the community, including pedestrians, people with disabilities, cyclists, business owners and operators, and drivers, to assist with our investigation on the suitability of slowing the traffic here in the Ipswich CBD,” Mayor Teresa Harding said.

Map of speed limits in Ipswich CBD which will be investigated.

“The area to be considered in the review encompasses the Ipswich CBD bounded by Bremer Street, Milford Street, Roderick Street and Darling Street East.

“Brisbane Street from Top of Town down to East Street is currently the only 40km/h zone within the Ipswich CBD and this grant provides the opportunity to explore the potential to lower speeds in other streets within the Ipswich CBD.”

Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the ongoing CBD revitalisation would see more people walking, cycling, and scootering in Ipswich Central.

“Lower speed limits can increase safety for all road users and increase trading opportunities for CBD businesses by facilitating additional footpath dining and making window shopping a more enjoyable experience,” she said.

“Many people would think this would mean longer travel times through the CBD, however, in most instances the travel time difference would be insignificant, averaging less than 30 seconds extra time.

“We understand that potential speed limit changes can prompt strong opinion and that’s why we want to hear what the community thinks about these potential changes in our city’s centre.”

Ipswich Central Corner Bell Street and Brisbane Street

Fellow Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said other city centres with comparable pedestrian volumes had lowered speed limits to improve safety.

“We know it takes cars longer to stop the faster they are travelling, and this study will consider road safety initiatives to implement lower speed limits in high walking and riding areas,” he said.

“I encourage everyone who uses CBD roads and footpaths to have their say on Shape Your Ipswich”.

The opportunity to provide comment ends on February 27 2022.