The Moruya streets that will be subject to new speed restrictions from November 1. Photo: Transport for NSW.
Motorists travelling through two streets in Moruya will have to be on the alert for a change in speed limits designed to make it safer for shoppers and pedestrians, particularly during the upcoming summer holidays.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said speed zones along Shore and Ford streets will be permanently reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h from Monday 1 November 2021.
“This reduced 30 km/h limit is a first for the NSW South Coast, and is a change Eurobodalla Shire Council has been advocating for with the support of local police, the local traffic committee and the community to improve Moruya’s town centre and make it safer and more accessible to pedestrians,” the spokesperson said.
“It shows we’re serious about finding the right balance between the needs of all transport customers alongside the qualities that make South Coast communities so special to locals, and appealing and accessible for visitors.”
The spokesperson said Australian and international research showed vehicles travelling at 30 km/h as opposed to 40 km/h would stop eight metres earlier.
“If a collision did take place between a vehicle and pedestrian the risk of it being a fatality is slashed to ten per cent at this lower speed,” the spokesperson said.
“The new speed will come into effect on Monday 1 November 2021 and will make a walk to the stunning Moruya waterfront or to enjoy the markets at Riverside Park an easier, more leisurely experience.”
Eurobodalla Shire’s Director of Infrastructure Services Warren Sharpe OAM said council has been proactive in shifting the focus to foot traffic in the town centre.
“We wanted to bring about a positive change within the Moruya CBD to make the town safer and more walkable,” Mr Sharpe said.
“After discussion with the Moruya Chamber, we’ve implemented simple, cost-effective pedestrian and vehicle slow points to produce a slower and safer environment for our community.
“We’re really pleased that Transport for NSW has decided to make Moruya the first regional town to adopt the 30 km/h speed zone.
“After being financially slammed by the Black Summer bushfires and then COVID-19, being more accessible to visitors as they browse in the CBD and enjoy the waterfront will be a huge benefit to small businesses that have been crying out for those tourist dollars.”
The Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) has congratulated the NSW Government on the move.
“Reducing the speed limit to 30 km will make these streets safer for all users,” SHASA president Kathryn Maxwell said.
“Importantly, it removes a major barrier to people walking or cycling and results in environmental improvements such as less air and noise pollution and safer, healthier living spaces.”
Ms Maxwell said the Australian Heart Foundation found pedestrians and cyclists struck by a motor vehicle travelling at 50 km/h had about an 85 per cent chance of being killed, while at 30 km/h this dropped to 10 per cent.
“In the near future SHASA would like to see the 30 km/h speed limit extended to other streets in the shopping area including Queen, Page and Church streets, as well as to shopping districts across the Eurobodalla,” Ms Maxwell said.
The reduced speed zone will contribute to the Princes Highway upgrade’s commitment to improving the safety, liveability and economic sustainability of towns connected to the highway, including plans for a proposed Moruya bypass.
It will also complement Eurobodalla Shire Council’s other work to improve pedestrian safety in Moruya’s town centre including raised pedestrian crossings on Ford Street and a roundabout at the Ford Lane intersection.
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