30/11/01
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts today delivered a timely reminder that the State-wide 50km/h speed limit on all local streets would begin tomorrow (December 1).
Mrs Roberts took the opportunity to launch a new initiative of the Western Australian Police Service - a speed check trailer which warns motorists of their speed as an education exercise.
Clearly showing the designated road speed, the trailer clocks motorists and displays their current speed as they drive by.
Police today conducted a 50km/h education activity on Riverside Road in East Fremantle to remind motorists of the change in speed limit from tomorrow.
Mrs Roberts said the new 50km/h limit would save the lives of more than 50 Western Australians over the next 10 years.
"It is a well proven formula for road safety that dropping the speed limit to 50 km/h on local streets will save lives and reduce injuries," she said.
"Road safety is a priority for our Government and we have demonstrated this commitment by implementing new initiatives which include additional black-spot funding, mobile phone bans and now the 50km/h limit."
Mrs Roberts said speed limits on important traffic routes such as freeways, highways and main arterial roads would not change. These roads would carry warning signs that would alert motorists of local street speed limits.
"Currently, where motorists turn off a major road, the speed limit is 60km/h," she said.
"Under the new system, they will turn off a major road into a local street and adjust their speed to the new default 50km/h limit, unless the signs indicate otherwise."
Mrs Roberts said that based on the experience in NSW and overseas, WA could expect a 20 to 30 per cent reduction in serious crashes on local urban streets.
"Approximately 30 per cent of serious crashes in the Perth metropolitan area occur on streets that will be included in the 50km/h initiative," she said.
The Minister said drivers should not expect 50km/h street signs on local streets, but should assume the new default 50km/h speed limit.
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600
