Speed limits through some of WA’s busiest intersections will be reduced in a bid to help reduce the number and severity of crashes that occur at these sites.
The maximum speed limit at all traffic light intersections across the state will be reduced to 70km/h over the next two years.
The change comes after a review of Main Roads Speed Zoning: Policy and Application Guidelines was undertaken, aiming to achieve better alignment with the latest Australian Standards, best practices, and improved Safe System principles.
Work is underway to progressively change all impacted intersections, with 66 to be completed this financial year.
A total of 82 major crashes where an occupant was killed or seriously injured were recorded at those 66 intersections in the five years to the end of 2021.
The first phase of the initiative will see changes made to signalised intersections along:
- Marmion Avenue;
- Gnangara Road;
- Ocean Reef Road;
- Rockingham Road;
- Patterson Road;
- Ennis Avenue;
- Mandurah Road;
- Tonkin Highway;
- Forrest Highway;
- Bussell Highway; and
- Wanneroo Road.
“The vast majority of intersections that will be impacted are 80km/h already, so this is only a small change that will make a positive difference to the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“This minor reduction in speed, over a short stretch of road is expected to provide a 15 per cent reduction in killed or seriously injured type crashes, making roads safer and savings lives.”