Melbourne streets to undergo 30km/h speed limit trial

The Stonnington Council, with support from the Department of Transport and Planning, will launch an 18-month trial of 30km/h speed limits in various parts of Melbourne. The trial is scheduled to run from October 19, 2026, to April 23, 2028, replacing existing 40km/h zones.

Targeted areas include Chapel Street in South Yarra, as well as streets in Prahran, Toorak, Armadale, Malvern, and Glen Iris. The council noted that the trial focuses on locations near schools, shopping precincts, and key bike routes to protect vulnerable road users such as children and pedestrians.

The initiative follows data showing over 1,500 crashes within the council boundaries between 2020 and 2024, resulting in seven fatalities and 564 serious injuries. Council officials cited research indicating that pedestrian survival rates are approximately 90 per cent when hit by a vehicle at 30km/h, compared to 60 per cent at 40km/h. The council will evaluate traffic data, safety statistics, and community feedback to determine if the lower limits should become permanent.