A bold new plan from Infrastructure Victoria could see speed limits slashed to 30km/h on residential streets across the state, in a major move to reduce child road fatalities and improve safety in areas heavily frequented by pedestrians and cyclists.
Dylan Anderson
What the Proposal Entails
The draft strategy from Infrastructure Victoria, which is reviewed every three to five years, outlines a 30-year roadmap for the state's infrastructure needs. Among the 50 priority areas and $75 billion in recommended spending, one of the key safety-focused proposals is to cut speed limits in certain residential areas from 50km/h to 30km/h.
The recommendation focuses on streets where children frequently walk, cycle or play, particularly around schools and local community areas. The proposal highlights that approximately seven children die each year on suburban roads in Victoria, with hundreds more suffering serious injuries.
Safety Evidence Driving the Proposal
According to Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Dr Jonathan Spear, "Slower speeds make streets safer." The statistics back this claim:
- A pedestrian hit by a vehicle at 50km/h has an 85% chance of dying.
- At 30km/h, the risk of death drops dramatically to 10%.
Dr Spear added that reducing speed limits has minimal impact on travel time but can save lives and create calmer neighbourhoods.
Local Trials and Community Support
The City of Yarra has already implemented a 30km/h speed limit trial across Fitzroy and Collingwood, excluding major arterial roads. The trial, supported by the Department of Transport and Planning and the Transport Accident Commission, began in May 2024 and expanded on a previous 2018 pilot.
Yarra City Mayor Edward Crossland stated, "Lower speeds save lives and make our streets better for everyone, whether you're walking, cycling or driving."
Dylan Anderson
Support for the initiative has also come from a range of health and advocacy organisations, including:
- Victoria Walks
- Bicycle Network
- Heart Foundation
- Pedestrian Council of Australia
- Amy Gillett Foundation
Each group cited international evidence of safety benefits, reduced crashes, and better livability outcomes.
What’s Next
While these speed reductions are currently part of a draft strategy, Infrastructure Victoria is encouraging public consultation before the recommendations are finalised. If adopted, the reduced speed limits would be rolled out gradually, focused on local council implementation.
Broader Context of the 30-Year Plan
The 30km/h proposal is just one of 43 recommendations put forth in Infrastructure Victoria's plan, which includes:
- $8 billion in hospital upgrades
- $5.7 billion in new schools
- Potential shift from stamp duty to land tax
- Public transport improvements, including bus and tram expansions
- Reconfiguration of the City Loop with new tunnels
As Victoria's population heads toward a projected 11.5 million by 2055, the government is under pressure to adapt infrastructure and safety policies to a rapidly growing and urbanising state.
Conclusion
If implemented, the 30km/h speed limit proposal could transform how Victorians move through their neighbourhoods, improving safety for the state’s most vulnerable road users.
The public is invited to review and provide feedback on the proposal through Infrastructure Victoria’s official consultation portal.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
