City of Darwin Council reduces speed limits to 40km/h

Darwin city speed limits are about to be slashed. HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with 40km/h city speed limits?

The City of Darwin Council declared that from Wednesday, November 1 speed limits on most Darwin CBD streets would drop to 40km/h. Picture: Damian Shaw

Speed limits across Darwin have been slashed to create a more pedestrian-friendly city.

The City of Darwin Council declared that from Wednesday, November 1 speed limits on most Darwin CBD streets would drop to 40km/h.

Mayor Kon Vatskalis said this change followed considerable community consultation, and was part of the council’s strategic direction to create a safe, liveable and healthy city.

“Having a 40 km/h speed limit throughout the CBD will make it easier and safer for people to get around and is line with global trends, which see most major Australian cities reducing speed limits in built-up areas,” Mr Vatskalis said.

Mayor Kon Vatskalis said this change followed considerable community consultation, and was part of the council’s strategic direction to create a safe, liveable and healthy city. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s safer for people to walk or ride their bikes or scooters through the city centre, which means we can reduce emissions from vehicles as well as reduce the possibility of accidents.”

The June Council Meeting said 29 per cent of 115 surveyed people opposed changing the speed limits in the city.

The survey found 16 per cent supported the council’s proposed reduced speed limits, while 32 per cent wanted to expand the 40km/h zones even further.

The City of Darwin Council said from Wednesday, November 1 speed limits on most Darwin CBD streets would drop to 40km/h.

The National Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 found that the risk of a pedestrian fatality increases exponentially when speeds 30km/h.

Mr Vatskalis said the reduced speed limits would also allow the council to reclaim road areas to create dining spaces and micro-parks known as parklets.

The speed limit on The Esplanade, Daly St, McMinn St, Austin Ln, Spain Pl, Harry Chan Ave, Garramilla Blvd, and Smith St from The Esplanade to Bennett St will not change.

The new speed limit signs are expected to appear over the next few weeks.