During 1993, all speed limits in Victoria were reviewed. This paper discusses the background and the guidelines used for determining speed limits in Victoria, the views of motorists on appropriate speed limits, and the impact of the changes. The RACV undertook a survey of members through the Royalauto magazine requesting that members indicate their opinions on the appropriate speed limit for 12 different road cross sections. Over 7000 responses were received and the results endorsed the approach to setting speed limits specified in the new guidelines. The impact on spot speeds of the speed limit changes on urban arterial roads is discussed. Surveys were performed on a selection of divided and undivided selection of divided and undivided arterial roads before and after speed limits were changed. The conclusions of the research are that rationalising speed limits to reflect road characteristics is likely to lead to better compliance with posted limits. Also, increasing speed limits does not necessarily lead to an increase in traffic speeds.
Abstract