Fremantle to push for low speed city centre

The City of Fremantle will apply for the speed limit on roads in Fremantle’s city centre to be reduced to 30km/h.

A 30km/h limit already applies on Fremantle’s famous Cappuccino Strip along South Terrace, while the rest of the city centre has a 40km/h limit.

At a meeting last week Fremantle Council voted to support the introduction of a reduced speed limit in the central business district and progress a formal application to Main Roads WA to approve a 30km/h limit.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said reducing the speed limit would improve the safety and amenity of the city centre.

“Our city centre streets perform a much broader function than just the simple movement of traffic.  They’re also places where people socialise, recreate and do business,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“International evidence shows that lower vehicle speeds significantly improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as contributing to a better quality environment and creating a more attractive destination.

“The area of central Fremantle to the west of Parry Street has been a 40km/h zone for more than 20 years and that has proven to very successful.

“Fremantle is known around the world for its vibrant alfresco dining and café scene, and reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h within the city centre will make it an even better place to explore and enjoy.”

The City of Fremantle’s Integrated Transport Strategy recommends the management of city centre streets to promote a balanced and shared-use low speed environment, with a focus on promoting active and public transport modes.

The Commissioner for Main Roads in Western Australia is the sole governing authority for designating speed limits on public roads and changes to speed limits must be approved through the Speed Zoning Guidelines set out by Main Roads WA.