The City of Sydney has announced it will drop its default speed limit to 40 km/h to improve survival rates in accidents.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the changes would apply in areas that currently have a 50km/h default limit.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to make our roads as safe as they possibly can be for people walking, riding and driving,” she said.
“Studies have shown that the survival rates for people hit by a vehicle drastically improve at lower speeds like 40km/h.”
“We will also continue to work with Transport for NSW to reduce speed limits to 30km/h in the city centre and other high activity areas where there are lots of people walking and riding.”
The changes will apply to areas including Glebe, Forest Lodge, Beaconsfield, Waterloo, Annandale, Redfern, Alexandria, Zetland and Woolloomooloo.
Sydney has been progressively reducing speed limits since 2004
“When people drive at safer speeds it reduces the number of crashes and their severity, improves safety for people walking and riding and helps to support better place-making,” Ms Moore said.
“Not only will our streets be safer as a result of these important changes, they’ll be quieter and have less exhaust emissions.”
Temporary electronic signs will be positioned at key locations to alert motorists to the new 40km/h speed changes for a minimum of two weeks.
