Lower speed limits in Orange CBD to boost pedestrian safety

Transport for NSW conducted a review of the Orange CBD area bounded by Byng Street, Peisley Street, Kite Street and Hill Street to determine if a high pedestrian activity area (HPAA) should be established.

Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the review area featured high volumes of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in one of regional NSW’s largest cities.

“These nine streets in the Orange CBD are home to a wide range of businesses and services including financial institutions, schools, function centres, offices, service stations, shopping centres, parking lots, food outlets, supermarkets, automotive businesses, medical services and a variety of retail outlets,” Mr Lunn said.

“There is substantial pedestrian activity and the high traffic volumes travelling in the area can make it difficult for pedestrians to judge safe gaps for crossing the road.

“The review found that establishing a high pedestrian activity area would deliver increased safety for pedestrians and vulnerable road users in the Orange CBD and also reduce the risk of collision for vehicles.

“As a result, the speed limit on all streets within the Orange CBD bounded by Byng Street, Peisley Street, Kite Street and Hill Street will be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h from Friday 1 December, with signage and electronic message boards to advise motorists and pedestrians of the changes.”

The new 40 km/h speed limit will be introduced on:

• Summer Street, 930 metres between Hill Street and Peisley Street.
• Hill Street, 460 metres between Kite Street and Byng Street.
• Sale Street, 465 metres between Kite Street and Byng Street.
• Anson Street, 465 metres between Kite Street and Byng Street.
• Lords Place, 460 metres between Kite Street and Byng Street.
• McNamara Street, 460 metres between Kite Street and Byng Street.
• Peisley Street, 455 metres between Kite Street and Byng Street.
• Kite Street, 930 metres between Hill Street and Peisley Street.
• Byng Street, 930 metres between Hill Street and Peisley Street.

City of Orange Traffic Committee chair, Councillor Tony Mileto, said Orange City Council had requested the review following consultation with internal stakeholders, Transport for NSW, the chamber of commerce and the Orange community.

“There is something to bring everyone into the Orange CBD but providing a safe environment for both pedestrians and motorists is our number one priority,” Cr Mileto said.

“The establishment of a high pedestrian activity area will deliver benefits for everyone in the CBD and make Orange an even better place to live, shop and visit.”

Members of the community can sign up here to receive the latest updates on speed limits changes in their nominated area and to have their say on speed limits.