Australia’s largest city is drastically reducing speed limits in a new road safety initiative.
The City of Sydney will reduce the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h on all roads within its municipal area, which includes major inner-city suburbs such as Glebe, Forest Lodge, Redfern and Alexandria.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO said the slower speed would enhance safety for everyone walking, travelling and driving in the city.
“Studies have shown that survival rates for people hit by a vehicle improve dramatically at lower speeds, such as 40 km/h,” he said.
‘Currently, 75 per cent of local and regional roads in our area already have a speed limit of 40 km/h or less. This is an increase from just 5 per cent in 2004.
‘This has been achieved thanks to our work with the New South Wales Government, which is funding the latest round of speed limit changes.
‘When people drive at safer speeds, it reduces the number and severity of accidents, improves safety for people walking and cycling, and helps foster better placemaking.
‘Our roads will not only be safer as a result of these important changes, they will also be quieter and have lower exhaust emissions.
‘We will also continue to work with NSW Transport to reduce speed limits to 30km/h in the city centre and other high activity areas where there are lots of people walking and cycling.’
The City of Sydney will reduce the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h on all roads within its municipal area.
Sydney Mayor Clover Moore (pictured) said the new speed limits would improve road safety
Signs warning drivers of the new limits will be installed in the coming weeks, he added.
The 40km/h limit applies to local and regional roads managed by the City of Sydney Council.
Most motorways and state roads, which are the responsibility of the New South Wales Government, will continue to have speed limits above the 40km/h limit.
The number of road fatalities in New South Wales in 2024 has increased compared to 2023, with 179 lives lost so far.
In 2023, 163 lives were lost at this time of year.