Published on Monday, 26 October 2020 at 4:13:04 PM
Speed limits would be dropped to 40km/h in all residential areas in Vincent by 2023 under a bold new strategy aimed at improving the City’s transport network.
The draft Accessible City Strategy 2020 – 2030 is an ambitious plan for Vincent’s transport network that is aimed at changing the way people travel.
Its vision is to create a ‘connected City of Vincent that puts people first, where getting around is safe, easy, environmentally friendly and enjoyable’.
Included in the draft strategy is a target to drop speed limits to 40km/h on Vincent’s residential streets over the next three years.
It also aims to make public transport connections, improve walking and cycling routes, reduce carbon emissions and make Vincent more attractive for pedestrians.
“We have the opportunity to create a high-quality transport network that supports the economy, the environment and our quality of life,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“The Accessible City Strategy is focused on keeping our neighbourhoods and streets safe and encouraging people to choose environmentally-friendly transport options such as public transport, walking or cycling.
“We’ve all relied upon cars for our everyday needs but as we look towards future population growth we will see even more demand on our roads and on parking, and further congestion.
“This strategy will help us address these issues by showing that sustainable and active transport can be an easy option as we move around Vincent and to and from work.
“We are committed to improving Vincent’s transport network in a way that prioritises people, our neighbourhoods and the environment.
“Through this draft Strategy, we’ll be consulting with our community on reducing speed limits to 40km/h on streets in our residential neighbourhoods. The current trial in the south of Vincent is showing that we can improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists and create more liveable streets.
“For too long now, residents have been telling me that 50km/h feels too fast for our residential streets. We’d love to know if the rest of Vincent is ready for 40 km/h.”
The City is currently running a two-year 40km/h speed zone trial in residential streets bounded by Newcastle, Vincent and Charles streets and the Swan River.
A 12-month review of the trial found lower speed limits were effective in reducing speed and traffic crashes and encouraging people to walk or cycle.
Street amenity improved during the first half of the trial and people reported feeling slightly safer on the streets.
The full 12-month review will be released publicly during Road Safety Week in November.
“Change takes time – but these results are very encouraging,” said Mayor Cole.
“It really speaks to the issues of safety and residential amenity. Reducing speed can have an impact on the way people live on their streets and enjoy their neighbourhoods.”
Currently, 67% of Vincent residents get to work by car, 18% catch public transport and 15% walk, cycle or use other modes of active transport.
Over the next decade, the City is aiming to encourage the amount of drivers to reduce to 48% and get 32% using public transport and 20% using active transport.
The draft Accessible City Strategy will be advertised for public comment in coming weeks. Keep an eye on imagine.vincent.wa.gov.au to find out more.
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