Reduce the Speed Limit on Hopkins Street, Footscray to 40km/h

Reducing the speed limit to 40km/h on Hopkins Street is crucial for enhancing safety for all road users, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists who use this on a regular basis.

The current speed limit of 60km/h on Hopkins Street is inappropriate. The area is now home to thousands of people from the Joseph Road Precinct and surrounding streets, many of whom walk, cycle, or roll to access Footscray CBD and the surrounding areas.

In November 2023, Frances Jeyann Ramirez was hit and killed by two cars while crossing Hopkins Street. Residents have reported a plethora of near-miss incidents, further emphasising the urgency of the situation and the pressing need for immediate action.

Maribyrnong City Council has expressed support for reducing the speed limit on Hopkins Street to 40km/h. We urge Minister Horne to implement a speed reduction without delay.

It is a well-established fact that slower speeds save lives. It is imperative that action is taken to implement this change without delay.

We urge Minister Horne to implement a speed limit of 40km/h on Hopkins Street, Footscray immediately.

1. Safety Enhancement: Lower speeds drastically reduce the severity of accidents, ensuring safer conditions for all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Increased Population: With a rise in pedestrian and cyclist activity, a lower speed limit accommodates this surge and supports safety.

3. Recent Fatality: the recent loss of Frances Jeyann Ramirez highlights the urgency of reducing the speed limit to enhance safety and prevent further tragedies.

4. Community Concerns: Residents' reports of near-miss incidents highlight genuine safety concerns, necessitating immediate action.

5. Maribyrnong City Council's motion in support reinforces that reducing the speed limit is a crucial step for community safety.

6. Preventive Action: Lowering speeds proactively prevents future accidents and aligns with global safety standards for urban areas.

7. Noise Reduction: Slower speeds mean quieter streets, reducing engine noise.

8. Pollution Mitigation: Lower speeds result in decreased emissions, improving air quality.

9. Community Well-being: A quieter, less polluted environment enhances residents' quality of life.

10. Saving Lives: Lower speeds significantly decrease the likelihood of fatalities, preserving precious lives and preventing irreversible tragedies.