The Victorian Government has updated its Speed Zoning Policy to enable local Councils to create 30km/h zones in areas that require increased pedestrian safety. This comes following years of advocacy and positive outcomes from the City of Yarra's 30km/h speed zone trials.
While Councils will still need to seek approval for any changes, the Department of Transport and Planning is supporting 30 km/h zones in city hubs, city streets and places with high pedestrian numbers.
The City of Yarra has been the leader in this space, implementing 30km/h zones since 2018 in the northern parts of Fitzroy and Collingwood. Following the positive outcomes from this initial trial, the trial area was further expanded in 2024.
The speed limits in this area had remained a 'trial speed limit' because the Victorian Government's Speed Zoning Policy of the time did not allow for 30km speed limits outside of the scope of a trial.
Council will work with the community regarding the next stages of exploring the roll out of 30km/hr in Yarra.
The evaluation of Council's trials as well as direct advocacy to State Government have contributed to the changes to this policy.
Stephen Jolly, Mayor of Yarra City Council said that Yarra was proud to play a leading part in this change.
"The Victorian Government knows that this limit saves lives – it has seen the data. And now pedestrians and road users more broadly will be safer as result from any new 30km/h zone."
Ben Rossiter, Executive Officer of Victoria Walks said 30km/h neighbourhoods have fewer crashes and near misses.
"The 30km neighbourhoods are calmer and more social because people of all ages feel safer to walk. They are happy, liveable neighbourhoods and we expect more communities will want 30km streets when the trial is finished."
