New 40km/h zone possible for busy retail strip
Commuters passing through North Adelaide could be slowing down through one of its main thoroughfares, if the Adelaide City Council supports a motion to drop the speed limit to 40km/h.
Adelaide City Council will debate whether to lower the speed limit on O Connell Street from 50km/h to 40km/h, following safety concerns from local residents. Councillor Phillip Martin introduced the motion, which will be voted on tomorrow. The motion is part of the $25 million O Connell Street Revitalisation Project, aimed at improving public safety and accessibility in high-traffic areas.
The proposed speed reduction is based on a petition demanding lower speeds to minimize traffic fatalities and noise pollution. Studies show that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 30km/h has a 10% chance of survival, while at 50km/h, the survival rate drops to 90%. Martin argues that reducing speeds will significantly decrease serious injuries and fatalities.
However, some residents voice concerns about potential traffic congestion and increased travel times. The council will consult the transport department on the speed limit change, as the decision is under their jurisdiction. Adelaide City Council is also considering installing noise cameras to address hoon driving, which are already being trialled in other Australian cities.
The Department of Infrastructure and Transport has not yet received a formal request for a speed review of O Connell Street.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
