The effect of the 50km/h implementation on local streets in Toowoomba

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to assess the impact of the implementation of the 50km/h on local streets in Toowoomba. Crash data was analysed to examine casualty crash rates on local streets both before and after the implementation and consider factors which may contribute to any findings. Maps were constructed displaying casualty crash sites in Toowoomba and speeding infringement data also studied. The implementation of the 50km/h speed limit has lowered casualty crash rates but not fatalities. There are several other factors such as intersection design and driver error which still contribute to the casualty crash rate in spite of the lower speed limit. The success in part of this implementation may have ramifications for further study of busier, arterial roads with higher casualty crash rates.