Yarra City Council is conducting a pre-trial study for a 30km/h speed limit in the southern parts of Fitzroy and Collingwood. This would expand the existing 30km/h area. The study will help inform a future decision on a possible trial in this location.
No decisions regarding any future trials were made at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 16 May. The report tabled at the meeting was for noting only.
The pre-trial study aims to provide Council with the information it needs to decide on whether to pursue expansion of the existing trial area. This study also includes the development of a project plan and a community engagement plan for the trial if it were to proceed.
Road safety research from all over the world identifies that the risk of death or serious injury for vulnerable road users increases significantly when involved in a collision with vehicles travelling over 30km/h. These vulnerable road users include pedestrians and cyclists.
In 2018 Council held a year-long trial in the neighbourhood streets of the northern parts of Fitzroy and Collingwood, bounded by Alexandra Parade, Johnston Street, Hoddle Street and Nicholson Street (excluding Brunswick Street and Smith Street).
Council resolved to retain the 30km/h speed limit in this area following the trial at its meeting on 19 December 2019. Any decision about a change to speed limit, including the retention of the existing 30km/h speed limit, must also be approved by the Victorian Government. Any expansion to the trial area would need both endorsement from Council and the Victorian Government.
The speed limit in this area remains a trial speed limit because the Victorian Government's Speed Zoning Policy does not allow for 30km/h speed limits outside of the scope of a trial. The evaluation of these trials and other similar trials contributes to the body of evidence that informs future changes to this policy.
This pre-trial study will explore the possibility of expanding the existing trial area south to Victoria Parade. As with the existing trial, any future decisions about this area will be supported by an evidence-based approach.
Council remains committed to creating a safe environment for all residents to travel, whether they chose to walk, cycle or drive. Yarra's Council Plan 2021-25 commits to exploring further 30km/h speed limits and the Yarra Transport Strategy 2022-32 also supports 30km/h speed limits.
The pre-trial study will be delivered with the assistance of a $30,000 grant from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The pre-trial study will be presented to Council later in 2023 to help inform any decision to pursue expansion of the trial area.
