Canberrans need to slow down as they drive through Civic. More than 5,000 motorists have been caught speeding in City 40km/h zones since Monday.
The government has expanded 40km/h zones to make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users in the city precinct.
As part of the staged implementation of the new speed limits, 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 next 48 hours, around 5,000 motorists travelled above the speed limit.
“The sheer number of motorists speeding in such a high-density area is concerning,” said Tara Cheyne, Minister of Business and Better Regulation. “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.”
Ms Cheyne warned that the education period for drivers about the new speed limits will end next week.
From Monday 5 July, speed cameras will issue infringement notices to all offences, including those between 40km/h and 60km/h, Ms Cheyne said.
Speeding not only puts lives in danger, but motorists exceeding the speed limit can face significant fines or even lose their licence.
Motorists caught speeding by between 15 and 30km/h can be fined more than $438 and incur three demerit points.
“This means that some motorists will lose their licence if they don’t change their behaviour,” Ms Cheyne said.
“We are serious about enforcing the road rules. Drivers who exceed the speed limit need to know they may be issued an infringement notice.”
Chris Steel, Minister for Transport and City Services, said drivers should slow down.
A lower speed limit reflects the changed function of roads in the CBD/Braddon. More pedestrians are 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% when a vehicle is travelling at 50km/h to 50% when the vehicle is travelling at 40km/h.
“This makes a huge difference to someone’s chances of coming home safely,” Mr Steel said.
Lower speed limits in high traffic areas support the ACT Government’s Vision Zero commitment of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and by slowing down in these areas we can keep our community safe.
More information on 40km/h zones in town and group centres can be found at cityservices.act.gov.au.
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