Slow Speed Limit Changes: Why They’re Taking So Long
HereS a breakdown of the facts from the provided text:
Key Recommendations of The Speed Limit Review (2023):
* Rural Local Roads: Lower the speed limit from 80kmh to 60kmh.
* National Secondary Roads: Reduce the speed limit from 100kmh to 80kmh.
* Urban Areas: Make 30kmh the default speed limit.
Reasons for the Proposed Changes:
* Fatality Risk: Collisions above 80kmh on rural/single carriageway roads are almost always fatal.
* Vulnerable Road Users: A 30kmh urban limit increases the survival chance for pedestrians and cyclists in crashes.
* Vision Zero: The changes align with the “Vision Zero” philosophy, aiming to eliminate road deaths thru safer road design.
Current Situation:
* Despite being passed into law, these speed limit reductions have not been implemented.
* The implementation is stalled due to political issues.