Speed Limits & Local Area Traffic
Council is committed to ensuring the safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists across our city’s road network.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are the maximum speed vehicles can operate on roads.Queensland road rules set a default limit of 50km/h in built-up areas and 100km/h outside built-up areas. Signs do not have to be installed.
If you do not see a sign, you should assume the speed limit is 50km/h.
Local Area Traffic Management
Local Area Traffic Management (LATM), often called traffic calming, is a way of slowing down and/or reducing traffic in local streets by installing physical devices such as:
- speed platforms
- roundabouts
- traffic islands
- kerb build-outs.
LATM will change the way you and other road users travel along the street and may also impact other streets in the area. As such, Council considers LATM on an area-wide basis rather than individual streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the impacts of Traffic Calming Devices?
- Increased noise, especially where trade vehicles carrying goods frequently travel
- Additional signs are required to notify motorists that they are in traffic-calmed area
- A LATM device and associated signage may be placed in front of your property.
Can I request that a speed limit sign be installed or changed?
Speed limits are set in accordance with strict guidelines determined by the Queensland Government. A speed limit will only be changed following a formal speed limit review.Some reasons to change the speed limit could be:
- new property development
- traffic management changes
- changes to road characteristics,for example road widening or changes to lane configurations.
Once a speed limit investigation has been completed, the findings and all associated data is submitted to the local Speed Management Committee for consideration. The committee comprises representatives from:
- Department of Transport and Main Roads
- Queensland Police Service
- Townsville City Council.
Speed limits are altered by Council as per the committee’s decision.
Who can I contact if vehicles are speeding in my street?
The police. Enforcement of speed limits is undertaken where and when police consider necessary. Any details that you are able to collect may assist police in enforcing speed limits.
Generally, traffic conditions are satisfactory along most streets although some motorists may be travelling at excessive speed or creating undue noise.
Council will advise the police when traffic surveys indicate significant speeding issues in a street.
What about hooning?
Hooning may include speeding, donuts, drifting, fishtails, revving of engines, screeching brakes, skidding, burnouts and street racing.
Hooning is illegal, however this is only enforceable by police. Heavy penalties exist for offenders, including vehicle impoundment. Council encourages residents to call Queensland Police Service’s hoon hotline, 13HOON (13 46 66) when appropriate.
