A Road Safety Study looks at safety issues for everyone using the road. It may suggest ways to reduce crashes and make crashes less severe, including:

• slowing vehicles where they interact with pedestrians and cyclists
• making crossings safer and easier to use for people of all ages and abilities
• reviewing crash data, road conditions and behaviour to identify targeted improvements

A study's primary focus is improving road safety. Any traffic restrictions requested as part of a study (such as road closures or access changes) would only be considered where there is a clear safety need supported by evidence.

Rathdowne Street is used by many people, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, residents, businesses and drivers. It also has shops, cafés, parks and a school nearby, so there is a lot of movement along the street. Council is doing this study to better understand road safety issues on Rathdowne Street. This includes looking at crashes on Rathdowne Street, feedback from the community and observations from Council officers. The study will help Council identify road safety issues and what could be done to make Rathdowne Street safer for everyone.

Any recommendations will be based on evidence and focused on improving road safety, as well as considering ideas previously identified as part of the Carlton North Local Area Place Making Plan.

Council previously approved a number of recommendations for Rathdowne Street through the Carlton North Local Area Place Making (LAPM) Study.

This study will review current road conditions, safety data, technical advice and community feedback to determine whether the previously approved LAPM recommendations remain appropriate.

Some of these planned treatments may be confirmed, modified, reprioritised or no longer recommended based on the findings of the study.

The study is focused on road safety issues on Rathdowne Street between Park Street and Princes Street.

However, you can let us know if there is a road safety issue outside of the study area and we will review your concern. If it is a road safety issue, we’ll assess its priority and determine the best way to address it. This may be through this project, another Council project, or a future Road Safety Study.

You can also call us on 9205 5555 or email [email protected] to let us know your concern.

The introduction of 30 km/h speed limits is not a focus of this Road Safety Study. You can provide feedback on any road safety issues and let us know if you support or oppose lower speeds in the area as part of your feedback.

Lower vehicle speeds can improve road safety by reducing the likelihood and severity of crashes, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

Council recently completed a 30 km/h speed limit trial on local streets in parts of Fitzroy and Collingwood. We are currently working with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to seek approval for the speed limit to become permanent.

The findings from this trial will help inform Council’s approach to lower speed limits across Yarra. Any future rollout of 30 km/h speed limits would be considered on a precinct-by-precinct basis, taking into account local conditions, road characteristics and community needs.

We know that traffic volumes and congestion on local streets are a concern for some community members, particularly during peak periods. However, the focus of this study is on improving road safety rather than increasing vehicle capacity or reducing traffic congestion.

Where there is a clearly identified road safety issue and strong evidence that a change would improve safety, traffic management changes such as road closures or access restrictions may be considered. Local access, travel times, traffic redistribution and the needs of people walking, cycling and driving would also be checked.

This study is focused on road safety. If you have concerns about other matters, such as street lighting, personal safety, parking, or maintenance issues, please contact Council on 9205 5555 or email [email protected]. Your enquiry can then be referred to the appropriate Council team for assessment and action.

Yes. Emergency services will be consulted at the same time as the community.