Proposed 30kmh speed limit could transform Melbourne CBD post-lockdown

Transport in Melbourne’s CBD could be completely revamped — with cars slowed down to 30kmh and pedestrian areas extended — under a proposed policy put forward by the Greens party ahead of the City of Melbourne election.

Cars would be slowed down to 30kmh in the CBD and pedestrian areas extended under Greens party policies for the City of Melbourne election.

The party wants car travel to become a “specialised mode of transport” in the inner city, while public transport, walking and cycling would be further encouraged as the “dominant and most efficient” modes.

RMIT academic and unionist Apsara Sabaratnam is the Greens lord mayoral candidate for the October poll and her deputy is midwife Roxane Ingleton.

Sitting councillor Rohan Greens is the number one councillor candidate, followed by Dr Olivia Ball, Emily Corcoran, David Jeffrey, Nakita Thomson and Charlotte George.

Ms Sabaratnam is not expected to be a leading contender in the lord mayor race, but the Greens are counting on electing Mr Leppert and Dr Ball as councillors.

The Hoddle Grid has a speed limit of 40kmh, although Flinders Lane, Lt Collins, Lt Bourke and Lt Lonsdale streets have had 20kmh limits from September.

Under the Greens, the general speed limit in the Hoddle Grid and “high activity areas” in inner suburbs would be reduced to 30kmh.

The number of car trips to, from and within the municipality would be further cut, and traffic light sequences changed to prioritise public transport, cyclists and pedestrians, including more default green lights for pedestrians.

Much of Melbourne’s CBD has been near-deserted during the city’s lockdown. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling

The Greens want to make Elizabeth St a high quality civic space, and create better pedestrian amenity on key little streets in the CBD such as Lt Bourke St between Spring St and Hardware Lane, with arrangements made for delivery access to businesses and any critical parking needs.

The party wants the state government to ban horse-drawn vehicles in the municipality, and to discourage congestion through car use by reviewing and possibly expanding the existing parking levy.

“(The Greens would) expand and prioritise a connected, safe and accessible pedestrian network, through the development of good quality walking links between the city’s public spaces, the public transport system and within urban renewal areas,” said the policy platform.

The party would support Aboriginal groups in their quest for a treaty with the City of Melbourne, and ensure a high proportion of new public spaces created by council were given local Aboriginal names.

The Greens want the current double vote for businesses in city council elections to be scrapped, and all residents, including foreigners on temporary visas, to be able to vote.

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