Mosman Council’s planned 40kmh zones labelled ‘waste of time, public funds’

A north shore council is pushing ahead with plans to cut speed limits on two of the region’s busiest roads despite critics labelling the move a ‘waste of time’ and public funds.

A north shore council is pushing ahead with plans to cut speed limits on two of the region’s busiest roads despite critics labelling the move a “waste of time” and public funds.

A majority of Mosman councillors have backed a proposal for 40kmh vehicle limits to be introduced on the Balmoral beachfront and in Mosman’s main shopping strip in a move aimed at improving pedestrian safety.

The new limits would apply along The Esplanade at Balmoral and on Military Road from Spit Junction to Centenary Circle.

Councillors supported making an application for the limits to be assessed and endorsed by Transport for NSW.

A council report found both roads were suitable for the limits due to their classifications as “high pedestrian activity” areas.

The limits would apply to areas including the Military Rd shopping strip.

But the move has prompted scepticism from several business owners and local councillors who said the cost and resources involved with applying for the speed limit cut was a waste of council resources.

The criticism was largely focused on Mosman’s notorious road congestion which councillor Roy Bendall said meant most motorists are seldom able to travel faster than 40kmh.

“You can’t travel more than 40kmh at the moment during the day and at night time there’s no pedestrians or kids running around anyway,” he said.

Peter Papas, owner of Kazzi Beach Greek, has spoken out about the changes.

Peter Paapas, owner of Kazzi Beach Greek restaurant on The Esplanade, believes the council should be focusing its resources elsewhere.

“It won’t make a blind bit of difference because most of the time it’s impossible to travel beyond 40kmh and I’m not aware of any great speeding issues,” he said.

“It strikes me as a complete waste of time and money and a further extension of the nanny state where we introduce laws for every aspect of our lives when common sense should prevail

“The council should be focusing on delivering basic services or lowering parking rates.”

The Esplanade in Balmoral would also have a 40kmh limit.

The proposed speed reductions are in line with 40kmh limits supported by several other Sydney councils including the City of Sydney and Inner West Council.

Crash statistics from the Centre for Road Safety show that there were four ‘serious injury’ crashes on Military Rd and The Esplanade in 2021 and 2022.

Councillor Pip Friedrich supported the 40kmh limits in Mosman, saying it could ensure local roads are safe for all road users.

“The world doesn’t collapse because people have to slow down in these very high pedestrian streets,” she said.

“I’d love to see a more broad acceptance of 40kmh. It’s about changing behaviours to accept that these roads are shared spaces.”

Mosman councillor Simon Menzies.

But councillor Simon Menzies said the 40kmh hour limit could add a level of unnecessary confusion for motorists.

“Drivers are constantly already moving through different speed zones (and) to cherry pick a few streets with no understanding about why one was chosen over another would do nothing more than confuse motorists,” he said.

“Consistency is key.

The limits are aimed at improving pedestrian safety in areas including Balmoral.

“At the end of the day, Mosman doesn’t have a problem with cars speeding and people getting knocked down. There’s no justification.”

The council also considered limits on other streets including Mandalong Rd, Brady St and Spencer Rd, however a council review found the streets were unsuitable for the reductions.

Council documents show it has allocated $15,000 towards the speed reduction measures.

A council spokeswoman said the State Government process to apply and obtain approval for the speed limit change is expected to take about six months

“These are areas of high pedestrian activity and a 40kmh speed limit is proposed to enhance safety and encourage active transport such as walking and cycling, which would assist in reducing traffic congestion,” she said.