Lower speed limit to stay despite failed national bid
But Perth councils will continue to implement the lower speed limit on their streets.
Vincent mayor Alison Xamon presented a motion for the lower limit at the National General Assembly for Local Government in Canberra last month.
Her argument included the number of road crash deaths in Australia and that 45 per cent of crashes were in urban areas.
Ms Xamon said there was only a brief discussion which lasted about only five minutes.
'From what we could observe, there seemed to be a difference in views between regional and metropolitan councils, with some regional councils voting against the motion,' she said.
'While it was disappointing to see our motion not being widely supported by other councils who attended the conference, we think the case to drop speeds in residential areas is stronger than ever.' Vincent mayor Alison Xamon's call for a lower speed limit nationwide has been unsuccessful. Credit: Daniel Wilkins / The West Australian
Ms Xamon said the assembly's decision would not affect the existing permanent 40km/h speed limit in Vincent.
'We'll continue to advocate for safer and slower streets in metropolitan residential areas across the country,' she said.
The City of Vincent received an honourable mention in the National Awards for Local Government in the same week as the NGA in Canberra for the initiative.
Ms Xamon said Town of Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon, who also attended the NGA, supported the motion.
Victoria Park is also looking at implementing a 40km/h speed limit on its local roads. It is scheduled to be discussed at this month's council meeting.
'Although it is disappointing that the motion was not carried at the NGA, the town is not deterred from its commitment to pursuing a 40km/h speed limit on local roads,' Ms Vernon said.
Ms Vernon said lowering the speed limit to 40km/h was an evidence-based, outcomes-driven solution to improving road safety for all road users, saving lives, reducing injury, encouraging active transport and creating more inclusive communities.
'It is simple, effective and can be applied to all local roads across the country,' she said.
'Implementing changes to long-established speed limits in local areas can be challenging, as evidenced by the NGA decision.'
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