Mildura councillor Glenn Milne concerned 30km/h speed limit trial may be impossible to end

Almost a year after Mildura council trialled lowering speed limits from 50km/h to 30km/h, one councillor is concerned they won’t be able to increase them again. Have your say.

Signage alerting people of the Mildura CBD speed limit trial.

A Mildura Rural City Council trial on CBD speed limits looks set to stay in place due to stringent rules on raising maximum speeds on Victorian roads.

In April of last year the council lowered the CBD speed limit from a maximum of 50km/h to 30km/h for a 12 month trial in an effort “to make the CBD more vibrant, encouraging more walking and cycling activities,” according to their official website.

The boundary for the trial was set up from Deakin and Pint avenues and between Seventh and Tenth streets. Deakin Ave and Seventh Street were not included in the trial.

Mildura CBD speed limit trial boundary

Now, as the end of the trial nears, Mildura councillor Glenn Milne says he’s unsure whether the council has the power to return the speed limits to what they were.

“When I asked at a meeting, I was told the information will determine whether the speed limit goes back (to pre-trial speeds) and not if the speed stays down,” Mr Milne told the Herald Sun.

“Really it’s a permanent change.”

Mildura councillor Glenn Milne is concerned a CBD speed limit trial is going to result in a permanent change

He said the trial should have had to prove it made the area safer in order to keep the new, lower limit otherwise it should be returned to the maximums that were in place pre-trial.

Langtree Mall, Mildura

However, locals seem okay with the speed limit changes.

“At first it was a bit of a pain, but now its normal and it’s not really a big deal,” P-plater Jade said.

“I don’t actually think it is a bad thing. It’s better because there is increased pedestrians now. It’s a lot busier than back in the old days,” motorcyclist Andrew told us.

Mildura motorcyclist Andrew said the new speed limit wasn't too much of a hassle. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

Russell said he hadn’t noticed much of a difference.

“Most people drive pretty slowly around here anyway,” he said.

Meanwhile, pedestrian Andrina said she’d almost been hit crossing roads multiple times so the reduction was a “good idea”.

However, a courier driver who asked not to be named was less than impressed.

“Honestly it’s bulls--t, it’s too slow and causes way too much congestion,” he said.

MRCC said community feedback would be crucial in determining whether the new CBD speed limits remain after the 12 month trial period has ended.

“The 12-month trial 30km/h speed limit in Mildura’s CBD will conclude in April, after which it will be evaluated based on feedback from the community. This feedback will then be used to inform any decision on the future of the 30km/h speed limit,” said MRCC General Manager for Infrastructure and Assets Daryl Morgan.