By now many locals would have observed the change to speed limits on Tin Can Bay Rd, particularly the approach to the intersection of Bayside Rd and Amity Place. The Bulletin had the opportunity to chat with a spokesperson from Transport and Main Roads to find out more about plans for this troublesome intersection in the future.
BB : What was the main reason for the decision to adjust the speed limit, for example; is this a short-term fix in preparation for larger scale works in the future?
TMR : The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) implemented a speed reduction on Tin Can Bay Road, approaching the Tin Can Bay Road and Bayside Road intersection, in August 2024.
It followed concerns from the local community about the safety of the intersection.
The speed limit, which was reduced from 80km/hr to 60km/hr, was implemented as an important safety measure ahead of construction on a single-lane roundabout at the intersection, scheduled for early 2025. The 60km/hr speed limit will be necessary for the new roundabout, so motorists navigate the turns at a safe speed.
The speed reduction aims to educate and alert drivers of the new speed limit for the area and provide time for road users to adapt to the permanent speed change.
Safety is TMR’s highest priority, and it is expected that the speed reduction will improve safety in the area and increase compliance for upcoming temporary speed and road changes during construction of the roundabout. This speed limit reduction will stay in place after the roundabout construction is complete.
BB : What is the estimated time for works to begin on the proposed roundabout?
TMR : Construction on the single-lane roundabout is scheduled for early 2025, weather and other conditions permitting.
TMR will install road signs and update QLDTraffic in advance of the planned works for road users to plan their journey and allow for construction impacts and changed traffic conditions.
BB : How do TMR believe that the lower speed will make a difference to the amount of accidents?
TMR : Lower speed limits can reduce the likelihood of vehicle crashes due to increased driver decision-reaction times. Lower speed limits also significantly reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. Driver compliance to speed limits and at roadwork sites is an ongoing challenge, and the 60km/hr speed reduction on Tin Can Bay Road near the intersection, provides time for road users to adapt to the new speed limit for the area.
Experience and research in Australia and overseas demonstrates that arbitrarily imposed speed limits attract poor levels of compliance unless continued enforcement is undertaken. However, realistic and credible speed limits will be observed by the majority of road users and can be effective in regulating traffic flow, reducing crashes and maximising safety.
Community members often think that compliance is about enforcement of speed limits by authorities such as Queensland Police Service. This is important but there is more to it. Compliance is best achieved when the speed limit is consistent with the road environment, as well as a driver’s awareness of what is adjacent to the road, traffic volumes, lane width, line-marking and vegetation clearance. All of these things can influence how a driver perceives risk while driving, and it also directly relates to whether they adhere to speed limits.
TMR’s foremost priority is to create a safe road environment and speed limits play a critical role in this.
BB : What research was conducted to make the decision to lower the speed?
TMR : The Queensland Road Safety Technical User Volume: Guide to Speed Management (QRSTUV: GSM) sets out the way speed limits are determined and set on Queensland roads. For the setting of speed limits, the QRSTUV: GSM considers many factors including crash history, traffic volumes and prevailing speeds, road function, construction standard, and abutting development.
After receiving a significant volume of community concerns about the safety of the Tin Can Bay Road and Bayside Road intersection, the department undertook a formal speed limit review and presented its findings to the Speed Management Committee (SMC). The SMC consists of representatives from TMR, the Queensland Police Service and local government. It was recommended by the SMC that the speed limit be reduced on Tin Can Bay Road, approaching the intersection, to improve safety for all road users.
BB :Will there be any consultation with regard to widening the left hand turning lane into Bayside Rd from Tin Can Bay Rd to improve visibility of oncoming traffic to the drivers turning right onto Tin Can Bay Rd from Bayside Rd as the lack of visibility is a contributing factor to accidents at this intersection
TMR : Construction of the single-lane roundabout will address the visibility and safety issues at the intersection. Detailed design investigations and community feedback undertaken in 2023 indicated that a roundabout was the most appropriate solution to improve safety at the intersection and preferred by the community. The speed reduction to 60km/hr on Tin Can Bay Road aims to improve driver awareness of the road environment and intersection until the roundabout is delivered.
Thank you to Transport and Main Roads for taking the time to chat with us and delivering comprehensive and informative answers to questions regarding the safety at this intersection. Thanks also go to all those in the community who petitioned State Government and the offices of Mr Tony Perrett, in particular Ms Debra Mason from Cooloola Coast Realty who initiated the petition and worked tirelessly for road safety in her community.
Jenni Jackson
