New city speed limits

Blanket 40km/h speed limit for streets around Hobart CBD

HOBART City Council last night voted to drop speed limits in CBD streets from 50km/h to 40km/h.

The decision will need to be approved by the Transport

Commissioner before it is put into place.

The council will also consider dropping speed limits in suburban retail precincts.

DRIVERS in central Hobart will probably have to slow down after Hobart City Council voted to reduce speed limits.

If approved by the Transport Commissioner, the changes will reduce speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h on most non-arterial streets around the CBD.

The recommendation had included reducing speeds on some streets to 30km/h. However, an amendment by Alderman Damon Thomas led to a blanket 40km/h proposal.

Council will also pursue lower limits in suburban retail precincts in North Hobart, New Town, Lenah Valley, South Hobart and Sandy Bay.

The new suburban limits would apply between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Thursday, and until 10pm from Friday to Sunday.

Councillor Bill Harvey said the changes would make the city safer.

“It’s based on evidence, it’s based on data and it’s based on expert advice and best practice around the world,” he said.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said Hobart was one of the last capital cities in Australia to reduce CBD speed limits to 40km/h.

Cr Reynolds said the reduced speeds would only add seconds to a trip across the city.

“I bet most Hobart drivers would be happy to give just a couple of extra seconds to their journey in order to have a safer city,” she said.

Alderman Marti Zucco lashed out at elected members who drove their cars to council meetings, yet made decisions encouraging people not to use their cars

“Show leadership and sell your car,” Alderman Zucco said.

Alderman Simon Behrakis said the impact of lower speed limits on traffic must be considered in addition to the safety benefits.

Ald Behrakis said modelling on traffic was due to be presented to council in the coming weeks.

“I’m not comfortable supporting (lower speed limits) until we see the data,” he said.

Lower speed limits were proposed to provide a safer environment for traders, pedestrians and cyclists, and backed by the Heart Foundation, the RACT and the Road Safety Advisory Council.

Health experts from the Menzies Institute have also given their support.

The State Government says council must make a case that the reduced speeds won’t worsen traffic congestion.