Victorian drivers hit the brakes in 40km/h zones with fines dropping

DROPPING speed limits to 40km/h might be working, as VicRoads rolls out more reduced zones in suburbs.

VICTORIAN drivers are putting their foot on the brake with speeding infringements officially dropping, particularly in 40km/h suburban speed zones.

Fines dropped to 3 million last financial year, down more than 100,000 compared to the 12 months before.

The surprising road trend was revealed in the Department of Justice and Regulation 2016/17 annual report.

“Overall, infringements from road safety cameras declined by approximately three per cent when compared with 2015—16,” it said.

West Gate Freeway near the Bolte Bridge exit. Picture: David Caird

Luke Donnellan MP. Picture: Mark Stewart

This is particularly the case in 40km/h speed zones with high pedestrian concentrations, such as strip shopping zones and school zones.”

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan welcomed the good news that people were slowing down in Victoria.

“Road safety cameras save lives and it’s great to see that the road safety message is getting through to drivers,’’ he said.

“Pedestrians, especially children, are our most vulnerable road users which is why 40km/h speed zones around schools are so important.”

It comes as more 40km/h zones are being rolled out across the suburbs, despite concerns they will increase congestion.

VicRoads has been gradually introducing the lower speed limits around shopping strips.