Motorists will have a safer journey on the Great Ocean Road thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s introduction of a reduced speed limit at the popular tourist town of Aireys Inlet.
The speed change has been welcomed by the community after strong advocacy to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers on the Great Ocean Road.
Research shows that with each 5km/hr increase in travelling speed above 60km/hr, the risk of a collision resulting in death doubles. Reducing speed by 5km/hr can result in a 15 per cent decrease in crashes.
The speed trial reduced the speed limit between Hopkins Street in Aireys Inlet to Fairhaven Beach from 60km/h to 50km/h. The trial ran over six months from December 2022,
During the summer peak period, traffic volumes along the Great Ocean Road range from 4,000 to 15,000 vehicles per day.
The trial incorporated business and residential areas to improve safety for the large number of pedestrians crossing the busy Great Ocean Road.
The speed change was monitored across the trial period, with independent data and community feedback gathered by Deakin University, as well as data around pedestrian movements, traffic volumes, vehicle types and speed.
Community surveys were completed before and after the speed limit reduction, as well as an independent evaluation of the change to determine its effectiveness and suitability.
The new speed limit at Aireys Inlet will only add a matter of seconds to the overall journey of people travelling on this road but substantially reduces the risk of death or serious injury in a crash.
Motorists travelling along this stretch of road are asked to pay attention to the new signs in place showing the change.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Roads Safety Melissa Horne
“Providing safer speeds that are right for the road means people can get to where they need to go as safely as possible.”
“Thousands of vehicles travel along this section of the Great Ocean Road and we’re making it safer for visitors and locals crossing the road to do their shopping, grab a coffee or head to the beach.”
Quote attributable to Head of Road Safety Victoria Marcelo Vidales
“We know speed kills – investing in these speed trials is one of the most effective ways we can boost safety and drive down road trauma.”
Reviewed 18 September 2023