40km/h on local roads
It's safer to get around Vincent with speeds on local roads dropped to 40km/h.
Reducing speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h on local roads was a key objective of Vincent’s Accessible City Strategy. Our vision is to create a connected City of Vincent that puts people first, where getting around is safe, easy, environmentally friendly and enjoyable.
The 40km/h speed limits apply to local access roads only. Distributor roads and main corridors are not affected.
New speed signs are being installed now. Once drivers see a new 40km/h sign on a street, that is the green light to slow down and drive at the new speed limit.
Benefits
We know that reduced speed limits make roads safer for all road users, but they also contribute to more active and liveable neighbourhoods.
Some of the benefits of slower speeds are:
- lower speeds encourage better interaction between drivers, pedestrians and cyclists
- they help create more attractive and connected communities
- they make neighbourhoods safer
- the risk of trauma in an accident reduces at slower speeds
- they lower fuel consumption which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions
- there is less noise pollution
- slower speeds do not cut travel time significantly
Milestones
Trial
Vincent commenced an evidence-based trial of a 40km/h speed limit in April 2019. The two-year trial took place in the area between Newcastle and Vincent Streets, between Charles Street and the river. Residential streets in the trial area had a speed limit reduction from 50km/h to 40km/h.
The trial followed extensive consultation. In July 2018, we asked the community what they thought of a 40km/h speed zone trial, with the majority of respondents in favour.
After approval from Council to proceed, a working party was established to provide guidance for the trial’s implementation. The working group included members from the City of Vincent, Road Safety Commission, Main Roads WA, Department of Transport, WA Police Force, WA Local Government Association, RAC and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Results
At the end of the trial, Vincent invited feedback from the community. The majority of respondents supported a drop in speed on local roads from 50km/h to 40km/h.
A report by the Office of Road Safety, found in the three years post the trial commencement, residents’ surveys demonstrated a 13 per cent increase in resident support for the trial, a 21 per cent increase in the perception of improved liveability, with 34 per cent being more likely to choose walking or riding over local car trips.
Some crash reduction effect and increases in walking and cycling were also observed through the trial, with 14 per cent more pedestrians and cyclists observed within the first 12 months.
Roll-out
In 2023, Main Roads WA approved a speed reduction from 50km/h to 40km/h on all local access roads in Vincent.
After years of lobbying, engagement and trialing, the official roll-out of the permanent 40km/h speed zones has begun.
Installation of 750 new 40km/h speed signs started in June 2024, with works expected to be completed soon.
Once drivers see a new 40km/h sign on a street, that is the green light to slow down and drive at the new speed limit.
Latest updates
Posted 10 July 2024
Local speed limits drop to 40km/h
The speed limit on all local roads in Vincent will drop to 40km/h.
Posted 19 October 2023
Green light for 40km/h speed limit on all local access roads
The speed limit on all local access roads in Vincent will drop to 40km/h.
Posted 26 July 2023
Vincent to extend 40km/h speed zones
The City of Vincent is seeking approval from Main Roads WA to expand permanent 40km/h speed zones to the rest of its local roads.
Posted 22 February 2023
Vincent to extend 40km/h speed limits
Vincent is seeking Main Roads WA approval to make the 40km/h speed limit permanent on all local roads.
Posted 04 December 2020
Consultation begins on Accessible City Strategy
Vincent residents are invited to have their say on a bold new strategy aimed at changing the way people travel and improving the City’s transport network. Visit Imagine Vincent to find out more and share your thoughts.