In a major shift for Melbourne’s streets, the speed limits in certain areas is about to drop to 30km/h. The change follows years of trials, showing that slower speeds could save lives. From school zones to busy city streets, these new limits aim to make walking and cycling safer, while also encouraging more sustainable urban living.
The Start of the 30km/h Experiment
It all started in 2018, when the City of Yarra in Melbourne introduced a trial of 30km/h limits in Fitzroy and Collingwood. For years, these areas served as testing grounds for slower speeds in high-pedestrian areas. In May 2024, the trial expanded, covering more of the city’s busiest, most foot traffic-heavy zones. This was all part of a long-term vision to make urban spaces safer and more pedestrian-friendly. But it wasn’t until the Victorian government recently updated its Speed Zoning Policy that these changes could officially become law.
Why Slower Speeds Save Lives
The evidence in favor of slower speeds is compelling. Research from Transport Victoria shows that a pedestrian hit by a car at 30km/h has a 90% chance of surviving, a figure that dramatically drops as speeds increase. At 40km/h, the survival rate is only 60%, and at 50km/h, it’s a mere 10%. These numbers tell a clear story: slower speeds save lives. And that’s a message that’s hard to ignore when you think about the bustling streets where people walk, cycle, and live.
A Long Time Coming: Yarra’s Seven-Year Trial
Yarra’s long trial, which could not be legally expanded until now, is proof of the success of the lower speed limits. According to Mayor Stephen Jolly, the council is proud to have paved the way for this change, not just in their area, but across the state.
“The Victorian Government knows that this limit saves lives,” he said in a statement. “Now pedestrians and road users more broadly will be safer as a result of any new 30km/h zones”, reports Drive.
A Growing National Trend
It’s not just Melbourne that’s on board with this idea. Some suburbs in New South Wales, like Manly, have already adopted 30km/h limits, making their town centers some of the slowest in the country. It’s a trend that’s slowly gaining traction across Australia, though not all councils have taken the leap just yet. It’s clear that these changes are making waves, and the conversation around speed limits is shifting towards safer, more pedestrian-conscious cities.
The Future of Speed Limits in Melbourne
As for what comes next, it’s likely that more councils will follow suit. With data showing a clear link between slower speeds and increased safety, it seems like a no-brainer. Of course, not everyone will be thrilled with the change—slower speeds could mean longer travel times for drivers—but in the grand scheme of things, the benefits to community safety may outweigh the inconvenience.
