A Sunshine Coast councillor believes lower speed limits may be more appropriate on some residential streets, particularly in areas used regularly by families, pedestrians and cyclists.
Christian Dickson made the comments after a petition called for safety improvements on Egret Avenue at Woombye, including a reduced speed limit from 60km/h, traffic-calming measures and a footpath.
He presented the appeal, which was started by a local resident and signed by 25 people, on behalf of councillor Winston Johnston, who was absent from a council meeting last month.
Sunshine Coast Council said it was investigating the petition and whether any traffic-management measures were warranted. A council representative said speed limits were reviewed under Queensland guidelines, with urban streets carrying a default 50km/h limit unless otherwise signed, and any changes assessed case by case.
Cr Dickson said the issue extended beyond the Woombye street.
“I believe many built-up residential streets should be reviewed to ensure speed limits are appropriate for the surrounding environment, particularly where there are homes, schools, pedestrians and cyclists,” he told Sunshine Coast News.
“You have to ask why major road corridor speeds of 60km/h are needed in streets where families live, and children are regularly present.
“Research consistently shows that higher vehicle speeds increase the likelihood and severity of crashes.
“We have become a very car-dominated society, and I believe pedestrians and cyclists deserve fair consideration when decisions are made about road safety.
“A 40km/h speed limit provides motorists with additional reaction time should a child, cyclist or pedestrian unexpectedly enter the roadway.”
But Cr Dickson said each location needed to be considered on its own circumstances.
“I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach, and speed limits should reflect the environment and level of risk,” he said.
“Major transport links between towns and highway networks serve a different purpose and higher speeds are often entirely appropriate.
“However, when we’re talking about areas where people live, walk to school, ride bikes, access parks or cross busy roads, safety should remain the primary consideration for all road users.”
“This is not a mission to reduce speed limits everywhere. It is about identifying locations where lower speeds can improve safety outcomes, particularly around residential neighbourhoods, schools, active transport routes and areas with significant pedestrian activity.”
Cr Dickson said speed limits were being examined in his division, which includes Sippy Downs, Mountain Creek, Palmview and parts of Buderim.
“We are continually reviewing speed limits and advocating for improvements where there is a demonstrated safety benefit.”
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A council representative said the Egret Avenue petition was under investigation.
“Council has received the petition and is currently investigating the matters raised. The investigation will determine whether any traffic management treatments are warranted and, if so, the most appropriate measures and timing for implementation.”
The spokesperson said speed-limit reviews were undertaken under Queensland guidelines and generally followed a request where there was sufficient justification for a formal assessment.
“Default speed limits are already established across Queensland. In urban streets, the default speed limit is 50km/h unless otherwise signed. Any consideration of changes to speed limits would be assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with the QRSTUV (Queensland Road Safety Technical User Volume) Guide to Speed Management.”
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