If you don’t agree with Queensland's speed limits, here’s your chance to have a say
August 2, 2013
Motorists went online from Thursday this week to nominate Queensland roads considered too fast or too slow as part of the state government’s review of speed limits.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson says this will be the first major review of speed limits in Queensland since the introduction of mobile speed cameras in 1997.
“The purpose of this review is to apply consistent speed limits across the state to make roads safer for all road users,” Emerson says.
“Currently reviews are conducted in different regions of the state, however this is the first time we’ve called for nominations as part of these reviews.”
The 2013 road toll is currently 17 above the same time last year, adding weight to the need for a speed limit review.
The review is included in the Queensland Government’s $350 million, two-year Road Safety Action Plan, announced as part of the 2013-14 Budget.
It includes other safety priorities such as flashing lights at 300 schools, $82 million a year for road safety improvements and licence reforms for younger and older drivers, and motorcyclists.
Emerson encouraged everyone to get online or write to nominate a road they believe needs to be reviewed.
“Safety engineers will consider the potential for lower or higher speed limits where the road conditions have changed since the speed limit was initially set,” he says.
“We particularly want to hear concerns about roads with too many speed zone changes, or where there are not enough speed limit signs.
“Any changes to speed limits need to have the right balance between safety and taking into consideration traffic, pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure.”
After all submissions are received, Queensland Transport and Main Roads will work with local councils to identify the top 100 roads.
The review is expected to take about six months and the results will be published.
Submissions can be made online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/SpeedLimitReview and close on September 6.