Hobart City Council is looking at reducing speed limits on several CBD streets

Decreased speed limits through Hobart’s CBD will only add seconds to trips, but also bring Tassie’s capital in line with the rest of the nation, as councillors argue the impact a reduction will have on traffic. LATEST >>

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DRIVERS in central Hobart will likely have to slow down after Hobart City Council voted to reduce speed limits.

If approved by the Transport Commissioner, the changes will reduce speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h on most non-arterial streets around the CBD.

The recommendation had included reducing speeds on some streets to 30km/h.

However an amendment by Alderman Damon Thomas led to a blanket 40km/h proposal.

Council will also pursue lower limits in suburban retail precincts in North Hobart, New Town, Lenah Valley, South Hobart and Sandy Bay.

The new suburban limits would apply between 7am and 7pm Monday to Thursday and until 10pm from Friday to Sunday.

Councillor Bill Harvey said the changes would make the city safer.

“It’s based on evidence, it’s based on data and it’s based on expert advice and best practice around the world,” he said.

Hobart Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds said Hobart was lagging behind the rest of the country. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said Hobart was one of the last capital cities in Australia to reduce CBD speed limits to 40km/h.

Cr Reynolds said the reduced speeds would only add seconds to a trip across the city.

“I bet most Hobart drivers would be happy to give just a couple of extra seconds to their journey in order to have a safer city,” she said.

Alderman Marti Zucco lashed out at elected members who drove their cars to council meetings, yet made decisions encouraging people not to use their cars.

“Show leadership and sell your car,” he said.

Alderman Simon Behrakis said the impact of lower speed limits on traffic must be considered in addition to the safety benefits.

Ald Behrakis said modelling on traffic was due to be presented to Council in the coming weeks.

“I’m not comfortable supporting (lower speed limits) until we see the data,” he said.

Lower speed limits were proposed to provide a safer environment for traders, pedestrians and cyclists, and backed by the Heart Foundation, the RACT and the Road Safety Advisory Council.

Health experts from the Menzies Institute have also thrown their support behind the plan.

The State Government has said Council will need to make a case that the reduced speeds won’t worsen traffic congestion.