Doctors and leading road safety experts have united in support of a bill introduced by Greens MP Kobi Shetty, which would make it easier for councils to bring in safer speeds of 30km/h on local neighbourhood streets.
The growing coalition – which includes the Royal Australian College of Surgeons, the Australasian College of Road Safety, Road Sense Australia Ltd, Doctors for the Environment, the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, Safe Streets to School, Bicycle NSW, Walk Sydney, 30 Please, Parents for Climate, Climate Change Balmain Rozelle, and Better Streets – has signed an open letter to the NSW Premier urging the government to adopt safer speeds to protect communities.
Kobi Shetty MP, Member for Balmain and Greens Spokesperson on Active Transport and Sustainable Cities said:
“There is strong support from a broad range of health, safety, and transport experts who have come together to tell the government what communities already know: safer speeds make our streets calmer, safer, and more liveable.”
“It’s clear that more needs to be done to make our streets safer, with figures released in August showing we’re on track for the highest number of road deaths in 15 years. That’s why I’m pushing ahead with this bill to lower the default speed on neighbourhood streets to 30 km/h, making it easier to keep our community safe.
“The evidence is clear – a person struck by a vehicle at 50km/h has just a 10% chance of survival, compared to 90% at 30km/h. How many more people need to be killed or live with life-altering injuries before the NSW government takes this issue seriously?
“If it’s good enough for Spain, Wales, Bogotá and Ho Chi Minh City to adopt 30km/h limits on local streets, it’s good enough for us. Here in Australia, we’ve seen successful examples in Victoria including the City of Yarra. NSW risks being left behind unless urgent change is made.”
Dr. John Crozier, Chair of the National Trauma Committee at the Royal Australian College of Surgeons said:
“The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) welcomes the introduction of 30 km/h speed zones on local streets as a meaningful step toward safer, more active neighbourhoods.
“Surgeons know how deeply road trauma affects families and communities, and slowing down is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury. At 30 km/h, drivers have more time to react, and the chances of someone surviving a crash increase dramatically. These benefits are well proven in cities around the world.
“Lower vehicle speeds make it safer for people to walk and cycle. This helps children, older residents, and local families feel more confident using their streets for daily movement.
“When more people walk or ride, communities become healthier, air quality improves, and local shops and parks come alive with activity. RACS supports residents and local leaders advocating for this initiative, not just as a safety measure, but as a way to build a more connected and active community.”
Dr Ingrid Johnston, CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety said:
“Every day, children, older adults, and families use their local streets to walk, ride, and connect with their communities. The evidence is clear: 30 km/h saves lives. When we reduce speeds on neighbourhood streets, we dramatically cut the risk of fatal and serious injuries, with almost no impact on travel times.
“This is a proven, globally endorsed measure that delivers safer, quieter and more liveable communities. NSW has a real opportunity to lead the way by adopting a change that will protect thousands of families for generations to come.”
Dr. Jennifer Kent, University of Sydney academic and Spokesperson for 30 Please said:
“Our cities and towns are growing and changing – our current street speeds are no longer fit for purpose, making the places where we live, work and play unsafe, unsustainable and unproductive.
“This Bill will not slow us down – it will bring us up to speed with the rest of the world, responding to World Health Organisation directions, as well as the needs of families, communities and businesses.”
Peter McLean, CEO of Bicycle NSW said:
“Safer speeds benefit everyone, our quiet urban streets are for everyone to share and feel safe on and it is proven the world round that lower speeds have a direct impact on reduced injuries and fatalities.
“Let’s focus on the massive safety gains rather than the 10 seconds we might lose by travelling around 10km slower.”
The bill proceeds to its second read in Parliament today, with debate likely to occur early next year.
The bill does not apply to arterial or major roads but focuses on local streets where people live, walk, ride their bikes, and play. The open letter remains open for further endorsement and The Greens hope to see the coalition supporting this much-needed change continue to grow.
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