Redefining Speed Limits on Victorian Roadways: Should We Consider a Change?
In a bid to combat the rising number of road accidents and fatalities, Victoria has launched an urgent review of speed limits across the state. This initiative is part of a broader national effort in Australia to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by addressing the major causes of accidents such as speeding and distracted driving.
The review has led to the implementation of new, lower speed limits in various Victorian areas, alongside stricter enforcement measures. The need for these changes was highlighted by a significant increase in road fatalities in 2020, with 263 lives lost on Victorian roads, marking a concerning upward trend.
Road safety experts have identified speed limits that are too high for certain urban and high-foot-traffic zones as a key factor that increases crash risks and severity. To address this issue, Victoria has introduced new 40 km/h speed zones in central urban areas, such as the Box Hill region, effective from July 4, 2025. This lower limit is designed to improve safety where pedestrian and vehicle interactions are frequent.
Compliance with a new rule requiring drivers to slow down to 25 km/h when passing stationary emergency or breakdown vehicles with flashing lights on multi-lane roads is another critical safety measure to protect emergency workers.
To ensure compliance, AI-powered surveillance cameras are being deployed nationwide to detect speeding and illegal phone use while driving, enabling stricter enforcement and significant fines. Fines for speeding near emergency vehicles can reach up to A$1,648 and seven demerit points, while fines for extreme speeding and mobile phone offences can reach up to A$1,600.
The state government emphasizes these measures as part of a national push to save lives and reduce injuries by adapting speed limits to road environments and increasing accountability for violations. The new speed limits and enforcement rules came into effect in Victoria starting July 2025.
Peter Kartsidimas, RACV's senior manager, suggests that repeat speeding offenders should be slowed down by having speed-limiting technology devices fitted to their cars and undergoing behavioral programs. Emily McLean, RACV's senior engineer of roads and traffic, suggests rethinking speed limits should start with low-traffic secondary roads with 100km/h speed limits.
In addition to these measures, Emily McLean also suggests implementing simple and affordable measures such as rumble strips, sealed shoulders, and wire-rope barriers to improve road safety in country areas. The European Commission is making speed-limiting technology devices mandatory for all newly manufactured light vehicles starting in 2022.
Road safety specialists in Victoria have identified drugs and alcohol, driver distraction, smart phone use, speed, road standards, and driver attitude as factors impacting road safety. Mobile-phone detection cameras, already in use in New South Wales, are believed to be beneficial for Victorians as well. Peter Kartsidimas, RACV's senior manager, suggests the government should pilot and implement mobile-phone detection cameras to deter driver distraction.
The state government has organized a road-safety summit, regional road-safety forums, and announced a parliamentary inquiry in July. RACV's senior engineer of roads and traffic, Emily McLean, emphasizes the need for safer drivers in addition to safer speeds and safer roads.
[1] Road Safety Victoria, 'Urgent Review of Speed Limits', 2021. [2] ABC News, 'Victoria to lower speed limits in urban areas', 2021. [3] RACV, 'Submission to the Inquiry into Road Safety', 2020.
Finance and transportation sectors may significantly contribute to road safety improvements through the deployment of AI-powered surveillance cameras and the adoption of speed-limiting technology devices, strengthening enforcement and promoting safer driving behaviors. The European Commission, for instance, is making speed-limiting technology mandatory for all newly manufactured light vehicles starting in 2022. In Victoria, mobile-phone detection cameras, similar to those already in use in New South Wales, are proposed to deter driver distraction.
