Launceston city officials are set to consider a proposal to lower speed limits across the city’s urban areas, with a view to reducing the likelihood of accidents and serious injuries.
The proposed changes come as part of a wider review of the existing speed limits on arterial roads and main suburban shopping centers with higher pedestrian activity.
If adopted by the council next week, the proposal will trigger a community engagement process, allowing members of the public to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
The proposed reductions from 60km/h to 50km/h are Bathurst Street, Wellington Street between Cameron Street & Frankland Street, High Street between David Street and Arthur Street, East Launceston, Invermay Road between Forster Street & Vermont Road, Invermay, Elphin Road, Penquite Road and Hoblers Bridge road in the vicinity of the Newstead Shopping Centre.
Meanwhile, the proposed reductions from 50km/h to 40km/h include Launceston CBD area bounded by Cimitiere Street, York Street, Wellington Street, and Tamar Street, Mowbray shopping center, Invermay Road between Vermont Road and Haig Street, Kings Meadows shopping center, Hobart Road between Riseley Street and Opossum Road.
Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said that the primary focus of the review is to match speed limits with existing road conditions, making it easier for drivers to comply with the speed limit.
“Our study on these built-up, heavily pedestrianised areas shows us that average traffic speed is already at or lower than the proposed changes,” Mayor Gibson said.
“For example, in Bathurst Street, 85 per cent of vehicles are only travelling at an average of 45kmh anyway, so reducing the limit from 60 to 50kmh will have no discernible impact on travel times.”
“The well-being of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists comes above all else.”
“Sometimes that could mean that our trips could take a few seconds longer but that’s a very small price to pay.”
