40kmh CBD limit to open for public comment

Maitland Street will be identified as a high pedestrian activity area, with a 40kmh speed limit, as part of a proposal to create a safer central business district.

Councillors unanimously endorsed the establishment of the area, between Killarney and Bowen Streets, and will now place the matter on public exhibition.

Council’s director infrastructure delivery Eloise Chaplain told last week’s ordinary meeting that council had worked with the local traffic committee as well as police in relation to
the matter. Both police and the committee have also endorsed the change.

Ms Chaplain said a reduction in the CBD speed limit would warrant line works and new signage.

Information tabled at the meeting states no major infrastructure upgrades would be required if the speed limit is reduced.

Cr Lisa Richardson moved that council endorse the establishment of a high pedestrian activity area in Narrabri CBD, as per the zone detailed in the report, to be placed on public exhibition for a period of at least 28 days, and during the exhibition period call for and accept submissions. A report will be returned to council following the conclusion of an exhibition period. Cr Greg Lamont seconded the motion.

Cr Rohan Boehm queried why the CBD was classified as just Maitland Street in the report. Mrs Chaplain explained that the CBD itself is a much greater space within the town, however, this new traffic zone was supported by police and transport authorities.

Reduced speed limit zones operate in the central business areas of neighbouring towns, including Moree and Gunnedah. Mrs Chaplain pointed out that Moree had also initially adopted a high pedestrian activity area in one street before extending it in the broader CBD.

Road safety information tabled at last week’s meeting states that managing speed, in accordance with safe system principles, is a key component in managing pedestrian safety.

“Research and scientific analysis show that a pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 40 kmh has twice the chance of surviving the collision than if the car was travelling 50 kmh,” information states.