Road speed limits are receiving some attention at the moment by a number of Government and local government agencies, with various proposals to reduce speed limits on some roads.

Reducing legal speed limits across many roads makes sense and is supported by the Society.  The recently announced "Road to Zero" strategy also has merit. 

Research has consistently shown:

• A positive, exponential relationship between speed limits and fatal crash rates
• An indisputable, positive relationship between vehicle speeds and the severity of injuries and mortality rates

Reducing speed limits on some urban roads, as well as on many rural roads across the country may reduce the rate of accidents.  Moreover, it would reduce road crash morbidity and mortality rates.  

The convenience of shorter travel times is less important than public safety. The price of shorter travel times is higher road crash morbidity and mortality rates.

This is a public health and safety issue.