We’re working to reduce the speed limit on all of our local streets to 40km/h, creating a safer driving, walking and riding environment for everyone and making our neighbourhoods safer.

Our local streets are where people live, work, play and connect. All other roads in our inner-city are for transit and vehicle movement, and can accommodate speeds over 40km/h.

Slower speeds give drivers more time to recognise and react to hazards and shorten the vehicle stopping distance after applying the brakes.

The change has been successfully applied on local streets throughout the City of Vincent, and the program is now looking to replicate this across the City of Perth, South Perth, Subiaco, the Town of Victoria Park and part of the Town of Cambridge.

“Our local governments all have transport strategies which push for lower speeds, better road safety, less severe accidents, safer streets for everyone and more walkable inner city communities. This initiative is critical step toward that outcome.”

David Doy, Chief Community Planner, Town of Victoria Park

International research demonstrates that the human body can withstand only a certain amount of force (energy) before a person is seriously injured or killed. A vehicle’s speed which is the primary determinant in the severity of injury and harm.

Research shows a 20% reduction in speed results in a 200% increase in the likelihood of surviving a collision, as shown in the below graphic.

Read more:

Factsheet: Benefits of lower speed limits in high activity areas and local access streets, Cycling & Walking Australia and New Zealand (2022)

Evaluation of permanent 40km/h speed limits: Summary Report, Transport for NSW, Centre for Road Safety (October 2018)

• A reduction in the number of road crashes
• A reduction in the severity of road crashes
• Streets become safer for all road users including people walking and riding
• Local government can better direct resources for road safety infrastructure
• Slower neighbourhoods support more connected communities
• A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• Only a minor impact on average travel times

“It is the single most effective way to make our streets safer and it has a negligible impact on travel time across urban areas.”

David MacLennan, CEO Chair of the Perth Inner City Group and CEO of the City of Vincent.

• Department of Transport
• Main Roads WA (MRWA)
• WA Local Government Association (WALGA)
• WA Police Force
• RACWA
• Road Safety Commission
• City of Nedlands
• Town of Cambridge

• WA Local Government Association – President Cr Karen Chappel AM JP
• WA Centre for Road Safety Research (UWA) – Teresa Senserrick PhD AFHEA
• Committee for Perth – CEO Paula Rogers
• Heart Foundation – General Manager WA Dr Helena Viola
• The Kids Institute – Head Child Physical Activity, Health & Development Prof Hayley Christian
• Healthway – Executive Director Carina Tan-Van Baren
• Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia – WA President Luke McGuirk
• Town Team Movement – Co-Founder Jimmy Murphy
• Westcycle – CEO Wayne Bradshaw
• RAC WA – Group Executive Terry Durant