New research from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) has found that lowering speed limits to 40 km/h on certain Victorian roads can significantly improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians. The findings provide evidence to guide potential further expansion of 40 km/h zones across the state.
The study, conducted as part of MUARC's Baseline Road Safety Research Program, analysed crash data and driver behaviour in areas where 40 km/h speed limits had been introduced, including local roads, shopping strips, and high pedestrian zones. It also surveyed drivers to better understand attitudes and compliance with lower speed limits.
The study found that roads with newly implemented 40 km/h speed limits had a 9.7 per cent reduction in casualty crashes, and a 23.8 per cent reduction in crashes involving pedestrians. The research highlights how strategic implementation of lower speed limits in urban areas can reduce injury risk and align with Safe System principles, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or vulnerable road users.
Professor Stuart Newstead, MUARC Director, said the findings show a clear safety benefit and provide evidence for policy-makers in considering any future program expansion.
"Our study shows that implementing 40 km/h zones has proven benefit in reducing crash and injury rates, especially in areas where pedestrians are most at-risk," Professor Newstead said.
"Expanding these lower speed zones in local streets and busy pedestrian areas could contribute significantly to reducing road trauma. But to be effective, this must be coupled with improved signage, education and data collection."
The study considered the potential benefits of expanding 40 km/h zones, especially on local roads outside metropolitan Melbourne, where estimated crash reductions could be as high as 131 crashes annually. It also identified the value of better road asset data and implementation tracking to refine future evaluations.
MUARC researchers also noted that, while self-reported speeding behaviour suggests general support and compliance with 40 km/h limits, actual driving patterns reveal a discrepancy that must be addressed through targeted interventions and public engagement.
Further research is recommended to enhance data accuracy, improve understanding of unintentional speeding in low-speed zones, and explore how infrastructure design and enforcement can better support compliance.
Baseline Research Program: Road Safety Evaluation of 40 Km/h Speed Zones In Victoria - https://doi.org/10.26180/31898164
