Victoria is set to become a safer place for kids with a proposed 30km/h speed limit on residential streets.
The new plan, suggested by Infrastructure Victoria, aims to reduce the number of child fatalities on our roads.
The draft strategy, which will be implemented over the next 30 years, includes a range of initiatives to improve road safety, public transport, and social housing.
What’s Behind the Proposal?
The proposal is part of a larger $75 billion spending plan, which includes 50 priority areas and 43 recommendations to support Victoria’s rapidly growing population.
With the state’s population expected to reach 11.5 million by 2055, the government is looking for ways to reduce congestion, improve public transport, and make our streets safer.
Reducing speed limits in residential areas is a key part of this plan, with the goal of reducing the number of child fatalities on our roads.
The Facts: Why 30km/h?
The statistics are alarming: every year, seven children die on Victorian roads, and hundreds are seriously injured.
By reducing the speed limit from 50km/h to 30km/h in areas where kids are present, we can significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents.
In fact, a pedestrian hit by a car at 50km/h has an 85% chance of dying, compared to just 10% at 30km/h. As Infrastructure Victoria CEO Dr. Jonathan Spear says, “Slower speeds make streets safer.”
What’s Already Working?
Some suburbs, like Fitzroy and Collingwood, have already introduced 30km/h speed limits as part of a two-year trial.
The results are promising, with local roads and streets reduced to 30km/h, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
City of Yarra Mayor Edward Crossland says, “We’re really proud to be making our streets safer in Yarra. The evidence is clear: lower speeds save lives.”
More Than Just Speed Limits
The draft proposal includes a range of other initiatives, such as:
- Investing $8 billion to upgrade hospitals over the next decade
- Making off-peak public transport cheaper
- Phasing out stamp duty in favor of land tax
- Increasing social housing to accommodate the growing homeless population
- Expanding kindergarten and schools to support Victoria’s growing population
- Broadening public transport services, including more bus routes, extended tram lines, and increased train frequencies
A Brighter Future for Victoria
The proposed plan is a significant step towards creating a safer, more sustainable, and more livable Victoria.
With a focus on reducing congestion, improving public transport, and increasing social housing, the government is committed to supporting the state’s growing population.
As Infrastructure Victoria’s draft strategy notes, “The future of Victoria depends on our ability to plan and invest in the right infrastructure to support our growing population.”