Better Streets position paper

Download the pdf: Better Streets Safe Speeds Position paper

Summary

Road deaths in Australia have been rising in recent years, with speed a major contributing factor. However, the harm caused by high speeds on our streets goes beyond fatalities and serious injuries. High traffic speeds also make everyday streets hostile — they make streets unsafe, noisy, and unpleasant, discouraging people from walking, cycling, socialising, and spending time in their neighbourhoods.

Most Australian states and territories have a default speed limit of 50 km/h on local streets. Strong evidence from Australia and around the world shows this is too high for places where people live, and move. At 30 km/h, the risk of death or serious injury is dramatically reduced and streets become safer and more welcoming.

Better Streets calls on state and territory governments and local governments to make 30 km/h the default speed limit in built-up areas. Safer speeds are a proven, practical way to save lives and create healthier, more liveable communities.

Recommendations

Better Streets urges:

  1. State and territory governments to amend default speed limits in built-up areas to 30 km/h (with exceptions)

  2. Local governments across Australia to adopt an area-wide 30 km/h speed limit on local streets (with exceptions).

Background and Rationale

  • Every year, people walking and cycling are killed or seriously injured on our local streets, often in crashes where speed is a key factor.

  • Current 50 km/h limits are not appropriate in streets where children walk to school, elderly residents cross the road, or cyclists share space with cars.

  • Up to 40% of the population, can not drive or do not have access to a vehicle, nor should they to, in order to travel safely by walking or riding a bike. 

  • State agencies are responsible for setting the speed limits on roads. 

The Evidence:

  • Survivability: A person hit at 30 km/h has a 90% chance of survival; at 50 km/h, survival drops to 10%.

  • International precedents: Cities and Countries such as Paris, Oslo, London, and Wales have adopted 30 km/h (or 20 mph) limits with significant reductions in fatalities and injuries.

  • Safety benefits: Hundreds of cities globally have achieved zero (0) road deaths, due in large part to 30km/h speed limits. 

  • Australian trials: Brisbane, Melbourne, and parts of New South Wales have successfully trialled 30 km/h limits on streets and area wide, with strong community support.

  • Health & Environment benefits: Lower speeds encourage active travel, reduce noise, and improve air quality.

Benefits to the Community

  • Safety - Fewer crashes, less severe injuries, less road fatalities.

  • Equity - Safer streets for children, older adults, and people with disabilities.

  • Economy - More foot traffic for local businesses.

  • Climate - Supports emissions reduction targets by encouraging walking and cycling.

  • Liveability - Quieter, more attractive neighbourhoods.

  • Social cohesion and community resilience - spaces where streets are safer for people walking and riding foster increased social interaction, a sense of community, and healthier perceptions of neighbourhood environments.

  • Cost-of-living - Reduces household and societal costs including lower car insurance premiums and reducing costs associated with car dependency.