Council to target vehicles passing through Melbourne’s CBD to cut congestion

About two in every five vehicles that travel into Melbourne’s CBD are passing through, rather than stopping in the city centre, and Lord Mayor Sally Capp has them in her sights.

City of Melbourne is looking at ways to reduce the amount of traffic going through the CBD to reduce congestion, Lord Mayor Sally Capp says.

About two in every five vehicles that travel into central Melbourne were passing through, rather than stopping in the city centre.

Ms Capp made the comments after the Sunday Herald Sun revealed a 30kmh speed limit was top of Town Hall’s new transport policy expected next month.

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‘‘We are very encouraging of traffic that comes into the city but not through the city — 43 per cent of the traffic coming through our city every day is not stopping here as a destination, to do business, to shop, to enjoy our cultural institutions, or our restaurants,’’ Cr Capp said.

Pedestrians in Melbourne's CBD during rush hour in Bourke St. Picture: Ian Currie

“So if we can reduce the through traffic, then we feel we can make a positive difference to congestion on our streets.’’

A 30kmh speed limit was one of a series of measures in the council’s new transport strategy due for public release next month.

The transport policy will also address cycle lanes, variable speed zones, public transport links, motorcycle parking on footpaths and carparking.

Cr Capp said the city’s biggest crush was pedestrian congestion. “If you bring speed limits down to 30kmh, the impact on pedestrian mortality is reduced by 10 per cent.’’

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