BACKGROUND

Council secured significant grant funding in 2019/20 from Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)* for the design and implementation of a proposed 40km/h High Pedestrian Activity Area in Kirribilli and Milsons Point village centres. The works will improve amenity and safety for all road users, and particularly people walking in the area, which includes Broughton Street, Olympic Drive, Alfred Street South and McDougall Street.

This project complements Council’s Draft 40km/h and 10km/h Shared Zones Masterplan which was recently exhibited and is currently under review. To take advantage of the significant funding available, Council is proceeding with implementation in this area. The RMS funding conditions require works to be completed by 30 June 2020.

To distinguish the different driving conditions and create a self-enforcing maximum 40km/h speed environment within the village centres, the proposed concept includes the installation of road traffic calming treatments such as thresholds and pedestrian crossing facilities (refer to document library for area map, site register with sample images and detailed concept designs).

This concept design results in no parking loss, expanded pedestrian/footpath areas and additional gardens/landscaping. This will make the villages more attractive and safer for residents and visitors. Note that some trees might be impacted by the works, however, should this occur, they will be replaced with new plantings.

Benefits of 40km/h speed limits

• Travelling at lower speeds improves driver’s ability to stop at a safer distance to avoid crashes, otherwise reduce the severity of a crash.
• Statistics show that there was a 33% reduction in crashes causing serious injuries and deaths between 2005 and 2015 where 40km/h zones have been introduced. These zones include busy shopping precincts and neighbourhoods

*RMS is now known as Transport for NSW (TfNSW)