The City of Stirling has supported a 40 km/h trial on Main Street in Osborne Park.
Stirling engineering design manager Paul Giamov said the intersection of Main Street with Hutton Street and Royal Streets is a known ‘black spot’ with a high frequency of crashes.
“A reduced speed limit (and lower travel speeds) along this section of Main Street may assist in reducing the frequency and severity of crashes at this intersection,” he said.
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READ NOW“A reduced speed limit will also make the area more pedestrian friendly, which may encourage trade for local businesses and revitalise the area.
“A similar 40km/h speed zone trial has been implemented along Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley for the same reason, and has proven successful at that location.”
The total cost of the trial would be approximately $50,000, including $40,000 for the cost of electronic speed zone signs (i.e. four signs at approximately $10,000 per sign).
It would also cost approximately $10,000 for an evaluation of the trial to be undertaken by an independent road research provider (as required by Main Roads WA as a condition of their approval).
Mr Giamov said the City has received “numerous” concerns from motorists and local businesses regarding road safety issues along Main Street.
He said the City requested the trial to be implemented for the 850-metre length of Main Street between Eldorado Street and Cape Street but Main Roads WA said the area didn’t warrant a reduced speed zone at this stage.
“If the trial proceeds and proves successful, Main Roads WA may consider extending the reduced speed zone to adjacent sections, but it is the City’s understanding that this could only be determined after the trial evaluation.”
Mr Giamov said the City had discussions with Main Roads WA to seek approval for the trial and had received the required agreement in principle in July.
“No further contact has been made since the Council Meeting of August 2016, as the progression of the trial is now subject to funding under the mid-year budget review in February 2017,” he said.
“If funding is successful, the design and implementation of the trial can progress.”