New electronic speed limit signs have been installed in the Moonah shopping area to boost pedestrian safety.

 

The Minister for Infrastructure, David O'Byrne, today unveiled the six signs, funded by $80,000 from the Road Safety Levy.

 

They've been placed in the main shopping zone along Moonah Main Road - from north of Florence Street to south of Amy Street.

 

"Every road safety decision we make is based on careful research and evidence through the Road Safety Advisory Council," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"We're currentlyinvesting in a range of cutting-edge technology to help make our roads safer.

 

"In this case, the new electronic signs will clearly alert drivers when they're approaching a busy pedestrian section, compelling them to slow down.

 

"This is a worthy strategic investment to control traffic and protect pedestrians in one of southern Tasmania's busiest shopping areas," he said.

 

In consultation with the Moonah Traders Association, DIER has programmed the electronic signs to display a 40km/h limit between 7.30am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and between 9am and 4pm on Saturdays. At all other times, the signs will display 50km/h.

 

When the signs change from 50km/h to 40km/h, the two inner red rings will flash, and 'Shopping Zone' will be displayed. 

 

The same technology is used for Variable Speed Limits and school zone speed signs.

 

The signs are positioned so they won't interfere with trucks, buses and other large commercial vehicles parking at the kerb.

 

Other technology improvements funded by the Road Safety Levy include:

 

• $3 million to install a Variable Speed Limit system on the Tasman Highway. It'll improve safety and traffic flow by alerting motorists to potential hazards (like a crash), or changing weather conditions like rain, ice or wind.
• More than $5 million to progressively install electronic speed limit signs for schools, as part of the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy.

 

"We know pedestrians are among some of our most vulnerable road users. It's important that drivers always drive to the conditions, and take special care in busy pedestrian areas," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"For the Law two consecutive years, Tasmania has achieved the lowest road toll on record (three decades), and is currently on track to do it again. That's encouraging, and suggests our approach to road safety is working.

 

"But there's no room for complacency. We'll continue researching and investing strongly to help protect Tasmanian lives," he said.