FAQs

This community consultation only relates to the reduction of the existing speed limit from 50km to 40km/h in Blackwood east. Other traffic related issues that is identified during this consultation will be considered independently.

The community raised concerns about speeding vehicles and requested the introduction of a 40km/h area speed limit in the area of Blackwood bounded by the Belair Railway line, Belair Hotel, Main Road and Station Road. Speed is a major factor contributing to road accidents. Lowering the speed limit can reduce the number and severity of crashes. Lower speeds give all road users more time to react to avoid a collision. If a crash does occur, lower speeds reduce the severity of an injury or death to pedestrians and bike riders. Lower speed limits are proven to have an immediate impact on crashes. They also create a better environment for residents and encourage more people to walk and ride. When people feel safer on local streets, they are more likely to spend more time on the street.

A 40 km/h speed limit has the potential to:

• save lives
• prevent or reduce the number and severity of accidents
• create a safer environment for cyclists
• improve safety for pedestrians
• maintain the existing road environment (no need for road humps, driveway links or other traffic calming devices)
• improve the amenity of your neighbourhood with reduced vehicle noise
• decrease through traffic.

All of these benefits without impacting motorist travel times.

There would be minimal impact of lower vehicle speeds on travel times. Travel time is more likely to be increased by stopping at intersections, congestion, short street lengths and on-street parking. Delays experienced by drivers due to a speed limit change would be minimal and is outweighed by improved safety benefit.

You can share your ideas and feedback by completing the online survey at https://yoursay.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/40kmblackwoodeast, request a hard copy survey or email your comments including your name and address to yoursay@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

The results from this engagement will be collated and a report will be presented to Council to help inform their decision regarding the proposed introduction of a 40 km/h area speed limit to Blackwood east.

The first step of the project is to seek your views on a 40 km/h speed limit on residential streets within the Blackwood east area. Following consultation a report will be presented to Council on the outcomes of the engagement and the recommendations. A proposal may then be developed for review by the community and key stakeholders prior to seeking approval from the Minister for Transport for a change in speed limit. If supported by the community, the Council, and the Minister for Transport, the process for implementation may take 12–24 months.

Council does not enforce speed limits and does not earn any revenue from any SAPOL enforcement of the road rules. SAPOL are only notified of the change in speed after Council have voted to implement a 40 km/h speed limit.

Crashes can occur at any time and on any street and lowering the speed to 40 km/h has been proven to reduce crashes.

Even good drivers make mistakes, and many crashes involve two or more parties. By slowing everyone down just a little, this may mean you are able to avoid a driver who isn’t paying attention to the road or a child that hasn’t looked before running out onto the streets. We’re all human, we all make mistakes, and our residents have told us they don’t want anyone to have to pay for one mistake with their life or their health when losing a few seconds, a day in travel time is what can be the difference.

Based on feedback from SAPOL, there is no evidence of increased road rage incidents in areas designated by either 40 km/h or 50 km/h speed limits. Delays to drivers are generally caused at intersections, from congestion and from finding a car park. We always recommend to residents who are concerned with this to try the difference before the 40 km/h speed limit is brought in and see the change in driving time.

Enforcement of the lower speed limit is undertaken by the South Australian Police (SAPOL), who operate independent to Council. Council does not receive any revenue generated by SAPOL enforcement. Major roadways will remain at their current speed limit.

Lowering the speed limit in a whole area generally costs between $5,000 - $10,000. In comparison, the average roundabout costs over $100,000, and even a based bitumen speed hump costs approximately $5,000 however needs to be installed in regular intervals along the entire length of the street. For the same costs as a single treatment, we can cover a whole area, which is an equitable use of rate payer money, and has a much wider community benefit than a single treatment on a single street.

The locations of signs are approved by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and signs will only be relocated where road safety risks or impacts to future development are identified.