Sydney CBD speed limits could be slashed to 30km/h under proposed plans by Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s council

A major city in Australia could lower speed limits to just 30km/h in a proposal likely to infuriate thousands of motorists.

Sydney City Council is considering implementing the reduction in the CBD, with Mayor Clover Moore seeking to neutralize emissions and encourage cycling.

The 30 km/h limit, which could be reduced even further, would be introduced in the city center and other high traffic areas across Sydney.

A draft access strategy outlined the details of the plan and it comes after speed limits on 200 roads in NSW have already been reduced since last July.

“Slower speeds are important to enable better outcomes in public spaces, to encourage and facilitate walking and cycling, and to achieve Vision Zero,” the design states.

Public submissions for the proposal closed last week and a report for the council’s review of responses will be issued “later in the year.”

Since last July, speed limits have been reduced on 199 roads around New South Wales – some to 30km/h.

Four roads in the city center of St. Leonard, on Sydney’s lower north coast, are among those affected with speeds reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h.

A section of Halcrows Road from Cattai to Glenorie was reduced from 100 km/h to 60 km/h, while a section of Menangle Street in Picton was reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h.

A NSW Transport spokeswoman told the Daily telegram it tests the effectiveness of 30 km/h speed zones and regularly reviews speed limits.

“Common reasons for speed zone changes in NSW since 1 July 2022 include improving safety at level crossings, addressing local community concerns, school zones and areas identified as having high pedestrian activity,” she said.

Some of the reviews focused on busy arteries in Sydney.

Business and road experts said if the speed limit is lowered to 30km/h ‘Sydney would literally come to a standstill’

The limit on four roads in downtown St Leonards was lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h to ensure a ‘pedestrian-friendly environment’.

The main road between the regional suburbs of Cattai and Glenorie in the north of the city, Halcrows Rd, was slowed from 100 km/h to 60 km/h.

However, Business Sydney CEO Paul Nicolau is adamant that a 30km/h speed limit won’t work for the CBD.

“Companies are struggling…the last thing they need is this on top,” she said.

“(It) means that courier drivers, taxi drivers, Uber drivers, people will be slowed down even longer, which will add even more costs and burdens to the economy.”

Liberal Roads spokeswoman Natalie Ward added that if the proposed cut were passed, “Sydney would literally grind to a halt.”