Community participation and implementation of 40 km/h speed limit areas

Because of the apparent shift in community attitudes with respect to issues affecting the amenity of their residential properties, it was assessed that the time may be right to re-visit the reduced speed limit in residential streets issue. Hence, a proposal was developed to introduce a 40 km/h blanket speed limit over a defined residential area. it was envisaged that the primary means of identification of the reduced limit would be the use of standard speed limit signs as described in the Road Safety (Traffic) Regulations 1988. Because of the general absence of through traffic (one of the selection criteria) in the area, any change to the behaviour of motorists in the area, would be brought about by the residents themselves. It was important therefore to have the support of the residents in developing and implementing the scheme. To identify the area, the eight entries were modified by providing a treatment of interlocking block pavers and splitter islands. Standard 40 km/h Local Traffic Precinct signs were erected at all entries to the area. Repeater speed limit signs were erected at selected locations through the area to ensure that a motorist would be exposed to these reminder signs if his journey through/into the are exceeded more than several hundred metres.