Motorists are being warned to heed signage showing the new 40km/h zones in Canberra. Photo: Supplied.
New road safety cameras on Northbourne Avenue and Barry Drive in the city have identified around 5000 motorists exceeding the 40 km/h speed limit in the past 48 hours.
The 40 km/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 40 km/h zone.
In the 48 hours since, around 5000 motorists have been identified as travelling above the speed limit.
With the education period for drivers coming to an end, Minister of Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne warned drivers to slow down.
“From Monday, 5 July 2021, all offences, including those between 40 km/h and 60 km/h, will have an infringement notice issued from speed cameras in the area,” Ms Cheyne said.
“The sheer number of motorists speeding in such a high-density area is concerning. The 40 km/h zones were introduced to create a safer environment for everyone using the roads. 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 30 km/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.”
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said drivers need to heed the 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,” Mr 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 40 km/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 50 km/h to 50 per cent when the vehicle is travelling at 40 km/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.
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