The City of Perth council has made a decisive vote on speed limits across the CBD, approving reduced 40km/h zones but stopping short of a comprehensive city-wide rollout that was recommended by transport experts.
Council Chooses Moderate Approach Over Expert Advice
During a meeting on Tuesday night, council members voted 7-1 in favour of what they're calling a "moderate change" approach to speed limit reductions. This decision represents a significant departure from the recommendation put forward by city staff, who had advocated for Option 1 - the most extensive application of 40km/h limits across the central business district.
Instead, councillors endorsed Option 2, which maintains current speed limits on most major thoroughfares while implementing lower speeds on local access roads and distributor streets. The alternative motion was put forward by Councillor Adam Pacan and seconded by Councillor Lisa Ma.
Divisive Issue Sparks Compromise Solution
Councillor Pacan revealed he had received over 300 messages on social media about the proposed speed changes, describing the issue as "deeply divisive" within the community. "One thing is crystal clear, this issue is deeply divisive and that's why I'm proposing option two," Pacan stated during the meeting.
He explained his reasoning: "It lowers the speeds on the local side street where pedestrians, residents and cyclists mix, but it keeps what most people consider our major thoroughfares... to their current limits. I don't want Perth to be known as a slow city."
Councillor Ma described Option 2 as providing a "balanced approach" that many residents had requested. "It still lowers speed where it matters the most and retains existing limits on major roads," she said. "These are high volume connectors and keeping them flowing is pivotal for the city's functionality."
Roads Maintaining Higher Speed Limits
The council's decision means several major roads will retain their existing speed limits rather than being reduced to 40km/h. Mounts Bay Road, Winthrop Avenue, Aberdare Road, Riverside Drive, East Parade, Loftus Street and Stirling Highway will all maintain 60km/h limits.
Additionally, key CBD streets including Adelaide Terrace, Wellington Street, Newcastle Street and Hay Street will keep their 50km/h speed limits. This partial approach contrasts with the vision of Councillor Viktor Ko, who was the sole vote against the alternative motion.
Councillor Ko argued passionately for the comprehensive Option 1, drawing on his experiences working in the State trauma unit. "I've actually seen pedestrians being hit and it isn't just pedestrians, it's cyclists as well," he said. "Option two just provides a patchwork as sort of a piecemeal approach to the speed limit."
He emphasized that council decisions shouldn't be based on popularity, stating: "We're not voted in to make a popular decision, we're voted in to make those difficult decisions. The amount you're spending on option one and option two is exactly the same and we should just bring the entire city in line with other capital cities."
Safety Data and Implementation Timeline
The council report highlighted significant safety benefits of lower speed limits, noting that pedestrians and cyclists hit by a car travelling at 40km/h are twice as likely to survive compared to those struck by a vehicle traveling at 50km/h.
The implementation of the new speed zones will follow a structured timeline. Design work for the changes is scheduled to be undertaken between February and April 2026, with physical installation of new signage and road markings commencing between June and August 2026.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds described Option 2 as providing flexibility for future adjustments, stating it "gives us an opportunity to step forward even closer to a safer city." Councillor Liam Gobbert characterized the approach as a "slowed rollout" and a "foot in the water" that could potentially lead to broader implementation across the city in the future.
