Adelaide council to vote on lowering O'Connell Street speed to 40 km/h

A motion to cut the speed limit on O'Connell Street in North Adelaide from 50 km/h to 40 km/h will be debated by Adelaide City Council tomorrow, following a petition from area residents. Councillor Phillip Martin said the change aims to lower collision risk and reduce noise, aligning with the broader $25 million O'Connell Street Revitalisation Project. The council plans to seek approval from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, which has not yet received a formal request.

Supporters, including local shop manager Michael Elmerhev and resident Kelley Durham, argue the slower speed will protect pedestrians and cyclists, while some neighbours, such as Simon Heuzenroeder, fear increased congestion. Experts like RAA senior manager Charles Mountain note that many busy streets in dense precincts already have 40 km/h limits, especially after the recent $300 million mixed-use development. The council also discussed trialling noise-detection cameras to curb loud driving.