Local councils implement lower speed limits to improve road safety

Local authorities in Australia and the United Kingdom are implementing lower speed limits to improve road safety and reduce accidents.

In Australia, the City of Stonnington Council has announced an 18-month trial of a 30km/h speed limit across 12 local areas starting 19 October. The trial targets streets near schools, cycling routes, and shopping precincts. The council cited research indicating that pedestrian survival rates are approximately 90% when hit by a vehicle at 30km/h, compared to only 10% at 50km/h. Data from the Victorian Government suggests that similar implementations have led to a 51% reduction in all crashes and a 70% reduction in serious crashes.

In the United Kingdom, Cornwall Council has introduced a 20mph speed limit across residential roads and built-up areas in St Columb Major. This initiative is part of a phased countywide rollout following successful pilots in Camelford, Falmouth, and Penryn. The council aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on its roads by 50% by 2030, utilizing these lower limits to support that goal.