First speed limit review results

Queensland families will benefit from safer roads and more consistent speed limits as part of the first wave of results from the state-wide speed limit review announced late last year.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the review forms part of our strong plan to drive down the road toll through the $350 million Road Safety Action Plan and create a brighter, safer future on Queensland roads.

“Whether you are dropping kids to school, travelling on holidays or driving home from work, it is frustrating and unsafe when the speed limit constantly changes up and down on one stretch of road,” Mr Emerson said.

“These changes will improve safety and ensure better consistency of speed limits across Queensland roads.

“They also deliver on our election promises to provide better infrastructure and planning and revitalise frontline services.

“Out of the 100 roads shortlisted from community feedback, results from the first 20 roads reveal 11 roads will remain the same speed limit, six will increase and three will decrease.

After more than 3300 submissions, some changes include:

• Increasing the speed limit on sections of Williamson Road and Greensward Road in Tamborine from 60km/h to 70km/h.
• Reducing the 80km/h zone on Olsen Avenue between Smith Street and Southport-Nerang Road to 70km/h, creating one speed zone through this entire section.
• Reducing the Scenic Highway between Yeppoon and Emu Park Road to 60km/h, ensuring a safer drive on this hilly terrain.

“The community feedback revealed there were also too many changes to speed zones on the D'Aguilar Highway between Moore and Benarkin, so speed zones will be reduced from five to three on this stretch.”

Mr Emerson said that following advice from the safety experts, speed limits on a number of roads will remain the same.

“There will be no changes to speed limits on the Bruce Highway from Glenlee to the Caves, Leichhardt Highway from Gore Highway to Moonie and Samford Road from England Road to Main Street,” he said.

“Each road has been reviewed by engineers and police, in line with Queensland’s speed limit guidelines, with consideration given to traffic, pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure.

“Unlike Labor, we have a plan to improve the safety of our roads and, through our $350 million Road Safety Action Plan and with the help of police, our road toll is at a record low.”

Mr Emerson reminded motorists that existing speed limits apply until signs have changed.

The results for the remaining 80 roads will be released over the coming months.

For more information visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/speedlimitreview.

[ENDS] 20 June 2014                                                       

Media Contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625