Released 23/06/2021 - Joint media release
Around 5,000 motorists have been identified driving over the speed limit in the last 48 hours by the road safety cameras on Northbourne Avenue and Barry Drive in the city.
40km/h zones have been expanded to help make roads safer for the growing number of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users in the city precinct.
As part of the staged implementation of the new speed limits, the existing road safety cameras on Northbourne Avenue and Barry Drive were adjusted on Monday 21 June to capture traffic in the 40km/h zone.
In the 48 hours since the cameras were adjusted to capture traffic, around 5,000 motorists were identified as travelling above the speed limit.
Minister of Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne said that the education period for drivers about the new speed limits is coming to an end.
“From Monday 5 July 2021 all offences, including those between 40km/h and 60km/h, will have an infringement notice issued from speed cameras in the area,” Minister Cheyne said.
“The sheer number of motorists speeding in such a high-density area is concerning. The 40km/h zones were introduced to create a safer environment for everyone using the roads. And it seems the message hasn’t sunk in.
“Speeding not only puts lives in danger, but motorists exceeding the speed limit can face significant fines or even the loss of their licence.
“Motorists caught speeding by between 15 and 30km/h can face fines of over $438 and three demerit points. This means that some motorists will lose their licence if they don’t change their behaviour.
“We are serious about enforcing the road rules. Drivers who exceed the speed limit need to know they may be issued an infringement notice.”
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said it is important that drivers follow these lowered speed limits to ensure the safety of all road users.
“Reducing speeds limits in areas like our city centre makes our roads safer for everyone and creates a friendlier environment to walk, cycle and take public transport,” Minister Steel said.
“A lower speed limit reflects the changed function of roads in the CBD/Braddon area. There are more pedestrians crossing roads like Northbourne Avenue and vehicles must slow down to reduce the risk of a serious accident.
“Research shows that the introduction of 40km/h zones significantly reduces the risk of death for vulnerable road users. The risk of death for a vulnerable road user drops from approximately 80 per cent when a vehicle is travelling at 50km/h to 50 per cent when the vehicle is travelling at 40km/h. This makes a huge difference to someone’s chances of coming home safely.”
Lower speed limits in high traffic areas support the ACT Government’s Vision Zero commitment of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. Vision Zero acknowledges that deaths and serious injuries on our roads are preventable.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and by slowing down in these areas we can keep our community safe.
Motorists are reminded that speed cameras are not the only way speeding is enforced on our roads.
More information on 40km/h zones in town and group centres can be found at cityservices.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases