RACQ view of speed

"A 10km/h speed limit reduction adds an additional four seconds of travel time to each kilometre, but using the section of Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra (which received this type of treatment in late 2008) as an example a sustained 11km/h reduction in 85th percentile speeds (Edgar and Tripathi 2011, p6) and a projected 16% reduction in crashes compared to the previous five years average was achieved (Edgar and Tripathi 2011, p7)."

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 http://www.racq.com.au/cars-and-driving/representing-queensland-drivers/road-safety-priorities/speed-limits

In Australia, road authorities have historically set speed limits according to criteria that include road function, road alignment, prevailing traffic speeds and speed environment (covering roadside development as well as road and traffic characteristics).

A traditional focus on balancing safety and efficiency when setting speed limits is being challenged by a road safety perspective which states that safety should be the key deciding factor in setting speed limits.

Drivers react to many influences in choosing their speed and there is constant need to post realistic and credible speed limits to help achieve:

• Voluntary compliance by the majority of motorists;
• Effective regulation of traffic flow; 
• Reduced crashes; and 
• Optimal safety for vulnerable road users; while 
• Having due regard for the amenity of people living along our streets and roads. 

International research into the tolerance limits of what the human body can survive when involved in a crash with or in modern vehicles (Tingvall and Lie 2008) supports speed limits being set lower in instances where the road environment does not provide adequate separation/protection from other road users, vehicles and roadside hazards.


It is RACQ’s preference that roads be upgraded to provide a more forgiving environment while maintaining mobility, rather than a blanket lowering of speed limits on existing substandard infrastructure.

However in high risk locations where road improvements are unable to occur in the short term, RACQ supports lowering of speed limits with appropriate changes in the traffic environment (including increased use of warning signs to highlight the change and the fact that the road is a high risk link) to assist in reducing crash likelihood and severity.


A 10km/h speed limit reduction adds an additional four seconds of travel time to each kilometre, but using the section of Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra (which received this type of treatment in late 2008) as an example a sustained 11km/h reduction in 85th percentile speeds (Edgar and Tripathi 2011, p6) and a projected 16% reduction in crashes compared to the previous five years average was achieved (Edgar and Tripathi 2011, p7).