Fears of 90km/h city speed limits

HOBART Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds is urging the State Government to not increase speed limits or remove bus stops and pedestrian crossings when it assumes control of Macquarie and Davey streets.

There are fears the Government will increase the speed limits on Macquarie and Davey streets from 50km/h to 90km/h and build clearways in a bid to improve traffic flow.

But Cr Reynolds said such a move could hurt Hobart economically and has vowed to watch what the Government does closely.

“I do fear that this is going to take a lot of work for this council in ensuring those streets remain people friendly, economically thriving streets that have character,” Cr Reynolds said.

“We will have to stay vigilant and as champions for these streets or we will lose bus stops, pedestrian crossings and we may well see speeds increase.”

The State Government vowed during the last election campaign to take ownership of Macquarie and Davey streets between the Tasman Highway/Brooker Highway and the Southern Outlet.

At a council meeting last night, Hobart aldermen and councillors voted unanimously to transfer ownership of Macquarie and Davey streets to the State Government.

Alderman Damon Thomas said the council’s knowledge of how to operate those streets was superior to the Government.

“We are the custodians of these two streets and have been since the city was declared,” he said. “If you turn around and say to me I’m sure the State Government won’t make this 80km/h or 90km/h, well then, I just hope you’re right.”

An amendment from Ald Thomas requesting the Gov- ernment consult with landowners and businesses on Macquarie and Davey streets before any changes were made was also approved.

A Department of State Growth spokeswoman said the transfer would happen by a proclamation under the Roads and Jetties Act, and the ownership change would come into effect from the date of the proclamation by the Governor.

“Work will continue to identify and develop further improvements along these key corridors to improve travel reliability, and the department will consult with stakeholders, including council, businesses and property owners, to ensure their feedback is considered in decisions, before changes are made,” she said.