Hobart City Council is set to vote on 30km/h speed limits in the CBD

Hobart City Council will have to put forward a strong case to slow traffic in the CBD, as the State Government accuses the council of dilly-dallying on fixing mounting traffic problems.

THE State Government says Hobart City Council will need to make a case that a plan to lower CBD speed limits won’t worsen traffic congestion.

Council will vote tonight on a report recommending several changes to Hobart speed limits.

The report says lowers speed limits will provide a safer environment for traders, pedestrians and cyclists by making three CBD “spines” of 30km/h zones surrounded by a 40km/h zone.

A State Government spokesman said: “It is a matter for the council to demonstrate a case to the Transport Commissioner that speed limits should be reduced.

“The Government would expect this case would model any impacts on traffic congestion, particularly on the key aerial routes through Davey and Macquarie streets and the Brooker Highway,” the spokesman said.

TALKING POINT: WRECKING HOBART, SAYS BEHRAKIS

TALKING POINT: HEALTH AND INVESTMENT, SAYS HEART FOUNDATION

“While the council is focused on fiddling with speed limits the Government is getting on with the job of delivering real improvements for traffic congestion in the city. Since taking over the management of Davey and Macquarie streets we have extended clearways, improved traffic lights, and introduced tow trucks.”

Hobart traffic during peak hour. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

However lowering speed limits in central Hobart has the backing of the Heart Foundation and he RACT.

RACT chief membership experience officer Stacey Pennicott said the organisation supported the proposed changes given clear evidence that reduced speed limits reduced the severity of injuries in crashes.

“We do, however, acknowledge that these changes may impact traffic conditions and it would be our preference that the speed limit changes be implemented on a trial basis with a full review of impacts on road safety as well as traffic movement being undertaken during the trial period,” Ms Pennicott said.

Health experts from the Menzies Institute have also thrown their support behind lowering speed limits.

A letter to Council signed by 11 Menzies researchers said “substantial public health benefits far outweigh the minor potential inconvenience of a small increase in travel time.”

“We would like to congratulate Hobart City Council on proposing these important changes to speed limits in the Hobart CBD and retail precinct, and strongly support their introduction as an important avenue for improving public health and safety,” the letter said.