Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has today announced changes to speed limits through some of our State's busiest signalised intersections, a move that will reduce the number of major crashes and save lives on our roads.
Under the change, the maximum speed limit at all signalised intersections across the State will be reduced to 70km/h.
The change comes after a review of Main Roads Speed Zoning: Policy and Application Guidelines was undertaken, aiming to achieve better alignment with the latest Australian Standards, best practices, and improved Safe System principles.
Research has shown that reducing the speed limit on the approaches to intersections reduces both crash probability and severity, at a low cost.
The reduction of the maximum speed limit at traffic signals is anticipated to provide a 15 per cent reduction in Killed and Seriously Injured crashes, making roads safer and saving lives.
Work is underway to progressively change all impacted intersections, with 66 to be completed this financial year. A total of 82 major crashes where an occupant was killed or seriously injured were recorded at those 66 intersections in the five years to the end of 2021.
The first phase of the initiative will see changes made to signalised intersections along:
- Marmion Avenue;
- Gnangara Road;
- Ocean Reef Road;
- Rockingham Road;
- Patterson Road;
- Ennis Avenue;
- Mandurah Road;
- Tonkin Highway;
- Forrest Highway;
- Bussell Highway; and
- Wanneroo Road.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We're always looking at ways we can improve safety for all road users, and this change is a simple but effective way we can reduce the number of serious crashes at signalised intersections.
"The vast majority of intersections that will be impacted are 80km/h already, so this is only a small change that will make a positive difference to the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.
"This minor reduction in speed, over a short stretch of road is expected to provide a 15 per cent reduction in killed or seriously injured type crashes, making roads safer and savings lives."
