Speed ​​limits in Sydney’s CBD could be lowered to 30km/h under plans proposed by Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s advice

A major Australian city could see the speed limit lowered to as much as 30km/h, a proposal likely to anger thousands of motorists.

Sydney City Council is considering moving the reduction across the CBD, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore looking to neutralize emissions and encourage cycling.

The 30km/h limit, which could be lowered further, would be introduced in the city center and other high-traffic areas across Sydney.

A draft access strategy set out details of the plan, following speed limit reductions on 200 roads across New South Wales since July last year.

“Slower speeds are important to enable better outcomes in public spaces, encourage and facilitate walking and cycling, and achieve Vision Zero,” the draft reads.

Sydney City Council is pushing to lower the speed limit in the CBD (above) to just 30km/h

Public submissions for the proposal were completed last week and a report for Council to assess the responses will be presented “later in the year”.

Since last July, speed limits have been lowered on 199 roads in New South Wales – some to 30km/h.

Four streets in St Leonard city center on Sydney’s lower north coast are among the streets where speeds have been reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h.

Part of Halcrows Road from Cattai to Glenorie was reduced from 100km/h to 60km/h, while a section of Menangle Street in Picton was reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h.

That said a spokeswoman for NSW Transport Daily Telegraph It tests the effectiveness of 30 km/h speed zones and regularly reviews speed limits.

“Common reasons for speed zone changes across New South Wales since July 1, 2022 are to improve safety at level crossings, address local community concerns, school zones and areas where high levels of pedestrian activity have been identified,” she said.

Several of the assessments focused on busy main thoroughfares in Sydney.

Economic and road experts said if the speed limit was lowered to 30km/h, “Sydney would literally come to a standstill.”

Speed ​​limits on four streets in central St Leonards have been reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h to ensure a “pedestrian-friendly environment”.

The main road linking the regional suburbs of Cattai and Glenorie to the north of the city, Halcrows Road, has been slowed from 100km/h to 60km/h.

However, Paul Nicolau, CEO of Business Sydney, is adamant that a 30km/h speed limit will not work for the CBD.

“Companies have problems…the last thing they need is that extra,” she said.

‘[It] “That means courier drivers, taxi drivers, Uber drivers and other people will be slowed down for longer, leading to further costs and strains on the economy.”

Liberal Roads spokeswoman Natalie Ward added if the proposed cut went through: “Sydney would literally grind to a halt.”