Creating liveable places

Image credit: State of Queensland

Action 2.6, Action Plan for Walking 2019–2021

Status: Ongoing

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Vulnerable Road User program (VRUP) was established to fund investigations and/or implement reduced speed limits in areas of high walking and bicycle rider activity. TMR was encouraged by the positive and overwhelming response: 33 applications totalling more than $1.3 million for the $500,000 of funding available. When delivered, the projects will further demonstrate the benefits of speed limits for safety and community.

Achievements

TMR's Vulnerable Road User Program was set up following 2 projects in Cairns central business district and along David Low Way at Coolum. Case studies will be published once longer-term crash data is available. However, the initial results were encouraging enough to set up this new program.   

TMR sought applications from Queensland road authorities to fund investigations and/or implement reduced speed limits in areas of high walking and bicycle rider activity. The program received 33 applications for funding under the VRUP totalling more than $1.3 million for the $500,000 of funding available. After an in-depth assessment, TMR approved 14 applications that were determined as those with the greatest anticipated road safety outcomes for walkers and bicycle riders.

These applications cover 10 road authorities with a wide geographic spread including Torres Shire Council, Townsville City Council, Mount Isa City Council, Douglas Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, and multiple South East Queensland councils.

The approved applications include a range of works, from speed and traffic surveys, speed limit reviews and road safety audits, to community engagement and installation of new speed limit signs.

Reduced speed limits make it safer to walk and ride. Crucially, they also encourage more walking and bicycle riding by improving the amenity and liveability of these areas.

TMR was encouraged by the positive and overwhelming response to reducing speed limits for vulnerable road users. These projects, when delivered, will further demonstrate the benefits of lowering speed limits for communities and encourage road authorities to set speed limits tailored to walking, the activities and land uses in the area, and the road environment.

Next steps

TMR is engaging with funding recipients to finalise the works and schedules before recipients commence works for delivery in 2021–2022.

TMR’s forthcoming movement and place framework will help to prioritise places where speed reductions would create a safer and more attractive walking environment. 

More information

For more information, contact the Safer Speeds team at tmr.speed@tmr.qld.gov.au.