Queen Street consultation

From City Scene, published on 3 March, 2008

Reducing speed: A proposed 30km/h speed limit for Queen Steet aims to improve pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle safety in the CBD.

Public consultation starts tomorrow on a proposed 30km/h speed limit for the section of Queen Street between Mayoral Drive and Customs Street.

The council's Transport Committee endorsed the proposal as a way to help reduce the severity of injuries to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists involved in crashes.

Committee chairperson Councillor Ken Baguley says the relationship between speed and injury severity is critical for pedestrians and cyclists. "Crashes may still occur, but at lower vehicle speeds these vulnerable road users have a much better chance of walking away unharmed," says Mr Baguley.

"With the average vehicle speed in Queen Street already close to 30km/h, the new limit is unlikely to have an adverse impact on Queen Street businesses and retailers, journey times, vehicle emissions, or the quality and frequency of public transport. Introducing and enforcing a formal 30km/h limit would help reduce the number of vehicles travelling at higher speeds and the threat they present to pedestrians and cyclists if they are involved in a crash," he says.

Several pedestrian safety measures have already been introduced as part of the Queen Street upgrade including three new signalised pedestrian crossings, widened footpaths and changes to traffic light phasing.

"These improvements have already created a safer environment for pedestrians and a reduced speed limit would further enhance this," Mr Baguley adds. Consultation closes on Friday, 21 March at 5pm.