NSW Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay today announced the 40km/h speed limit in a large part of Sydney’s CBD would be introduced at the end of this month.

“The CBD’s 40km/h speed limit zone will be rolled out from Saturday 27 September as we work to further improve pedestrian safety,” Minister Gay said.

“It means this high pedestrian area will be even safer ahead of the warmer months when lots of people are out and about.

“Over the next fortnight there will be VMS road signs for motorists and a widespread advertising campaign including newspaper and radio ads to make sure anyone who missed the announcement in May is ready for the change.

“The decision was made following safety reviews conducted by the Centre for Road Safety in consultation with Roads and Maritime Services and the City of Sydney Council.

“At the time we expected to have the change introduced by the busy Christmas period and I’m pleased we’re ahead of schedule to get motorists ready well ahead of the peak shopping time when there are more people and families about.

“Considering a vehicle that hits a pedestrian at 50km/h is twice as likely to cause a fatality as the same vehicle travelling at 40km/h, this speed limit change will deliver significant safety benefits.

“The new 40km/h limit zone will operate in the area bound by Castlereagh Street to the east, Kent Street to the west and Hay Street to the south.

“It will also link in with the current 40km/h speed limit in The Rocks to the north of the CBD. The area will include a 40km/h speed limit on and adjacent to George Street.

“It’s not only motorist behaviour that needs to change – if you’re walking around, cross at the lights, obey traffic signals, look both ways before stepping onto the road and don’t get distracted by your phone,” Minister Gay said.

Other 40km/h speed limits are already in place in parts of Millers Point, Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Redfern, Chippendale, Rosebery, Leichhardt and Erskineville. There are also 40km/h speed limits in other busy CBD areas across Sydney including North Sydney, Chatswood, and Parramatta.