When City of Darwin’s new speed limits will come into effect

Darwin city council has voted to reduce speed limits across most of the CBD in a bid to make the streets safer. Read when the change will come into effect.

From November, speed limits will be reduced to 40 km/h across most of the Darwin CBD.

Speed limits in Darwin city will soon be slashed to 40km/hr in a bid to boost the CBD’s safety and “liveability”.

It comes after 64 per cent of respondents in a council survey voted in favour of the reduction.

The change will come into effect on November 1 and apply to all CBD streets except McMinn and Daly streets and part of the Esplanade.

The city’s other periphery streets - the straight section of the Esplanade, Bennett and Herbert streets - will be slashed to 40km/hr.

Darwin council officers will also further review whether speed limits on Daly and McMinn streets should be lowered, as well as consider building pedestrian and bike lanes.

All coloured streets on the map, except Daly and McMinn streets and the highlighted section of Garamilla Boulevard, will be 40km/hr from November this year. Map: City of Darwin

The council must also seek approval from the Territory government to lower the speed limit on Garamilla Boulevard between McMinn and Cavenagh streets, as it is managed by them.

The change marks a reduction of 10km/hr for most parts of the CBD, while 40km/hr is already in place on Cavenagh, Smith, Bennett and Mitchell Streets.

Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis said it comes after the council considered community feedback and models in other capital cities.

“We know that having a 40km/hr speed limit in a CBD makes it easier and safer for people to get around,” he said.

“Low-speed environments also have economic, social and environmental benefits.

Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis said lower speed limits would lead to economic, social and environmental benefits. Picture: Che Chorley

“We engaged with the community in looking at this option and the majority were supportive of extending the current 40km/hr areas to all of the CBD.”

A City of Darwin spokeswoman said low speed streets were expected to result in less crime, more physically active residents, greater social connectedness and boosted spending in business.

“It also means opportunities for people-friendly spaces like parklets - small, green spaces that are extensions of footpaths to sit, relax or eat - bike and scooter lanes, and al fresco dining,” the spokeswoman said.

“Low-speed environments also have economic, social and environmental benefits, and the move is in line with global trends.

All councillors except Jimmy Bouhoris, Sylvia Klonaris and Mick Palmer voted in favour of the change.

Saturday parking fees will also return from August 1, with motorists to be slugged $2/hour for parking in the city’s Zone A.