After considerable community consultation, the City of Darwin Council has endorsed a speed reduction on most streets within the CBD, to create a more pedestrian-friendly city.
From Wednesday 1 November 2023, the speed limits on most Darwin CBD streets will become 40 kilometres per hour, with Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis saying the changes are in line with the Council’s strategic direction to create a safe, liveable and healthy city.
“Low-speed city environments are proven to have economic, social, health and environmental benefits, and City of Darwin is committed to creating a city that is easily accessible by everyone,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“By slowing down speed limits, it’s safer for people to walk or ride their bikes or scooters through the city centre, which means we can reduce emissions from vehicles as well as reduce the possibility of accidents,” he said.
Reduced speed limits help create greener and cooler cities by improving air quality and reducing noise pollution and traffic collisions.
“Slower streets also mean we can implement more initiatives that benefit local businesses, such as the parklet we installed on Mitchell Street, which has created an alfresco dining space in one of the on-street parking spaces and which I hope to see more of in the future,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“The new speed limits will also allow us to generate additional street greening opportunities, creating cooler, greener streets the people will enjoy walking, and shopping, along,” he said.
The speed limit on The Esplanade, Daly Street, McMinn Street, Austin Lane, Spain Place, Harry Chan Avenue, Smith Street (from The Esplanade to Bennett Street) and Garramilla Boulevard will not change.
“We undertook extensive community consultation ahead of reaching this decision and the majority of those consulted were in favour of the change,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“Having a 40 kilometre per hour speed limit throughout the CBD will make it easier and safer for people to get around and is line with global trends, which see most major Australian cities reducing speed limits in built-up areas,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“Reduced speeds encourage greater use of micro-mobility devices, increased activation and social and economic benefits,” he said.
New speed limit signage will go up over the next few weeks and the new limits will be in place from Wednesday 1 November 2023.
