How are speed zones set?

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) which includes VicRoads is the body responsible for setting speed zones across Victoria. Refer to the following link to read further information regarding speed zone setting from VicRoads.

VicRoads Speed Zone Technical Guidelines – Edition 2(PDF, 8MB)

Surf Coast receives many requests from the community to review speed zones. Each review is undertaken using the Safe System assessment model in line with the State wide policy established by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Surf Coast Shire carries out approximately 70 assessments each year.

Surf Coast Shire will only carry out a speed limit review on Council managed roads and our local road network. Any requests for speed reviews for roads owned and managed by DTP would need to be sent to DTP directly. You can check what roads are managed by Council on our road network page.

We prioritise the assessments based on risk in line with high-risk sites and roads identified under the Coasting Towards Zero Strategy. If the assessment supports a change to a speed zone, Surf Coast will make an application to DTP to have the zone changed. Council cannot change the speed limit on any local roads without the endorsement and approval from DTP. Historically only a small number of the assessments determine that the speed zone needs to be changed (less than 10%). Sometimes there might be another solution to the traffic situation or it could simply be a case of the community accepting the speed limit is correct where it may have been perceived as being set too low or too high.

Council may decide not to undertake a review when:

• Traffic data has been collected within the last 5 years and it was found to not be an issue
• Some traffic re-correction is still occurring post the COVID pandemic period (our population has grown dramatically with many holiday houses now presently occupied)
• If there has not been a noticeable change to traffic conditions in the last 2 years
• If the area is a new development area. It takes time for the planned traffic management system measures to settle. We have found it is best to wait until construction traffic, trade vehicles, and new resident arrivals are settled as this can make assessments unreliable. Responding with short term “fixes” during this period can lead to wasted effort and unwise use of public resources. Exercising tolerance during this construction period is requested
• Seasonal factors are the main cause and the concern is only for a short period of time

Our four traffic counter devices are constantly gathering data in different locations across the municipality. Due to high demand for traffic count data to be gathered, it can take up to two months for a request for a traffic count to be completed. 

For more information on the steps we take when undertaking a speed review refer to How to ask for a Road Safety Review

Our Mobile Speed Advisory Trailer is placed in various streets in our road network in response to the speed data, where driver behaviour is the issue rather than the speed zone. Our annual target is to install the speed trailer at 20 different sites (Coasting Towards Zero). We also work with Victoria Police who may request patrols or use speed cameras to reinforce the speed limit.

If Surf Coast believes there is a case for a change to the speed limit we will consult with the community prior to making a full application to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Our applications are usually supported, however the final decision is made by the State authority and not local government.

Changes to speed limit zones

Time frames, it can take the DTP 6 months to process, assess and make a change if DTP agree. Once agreed Surf Coast will organise the changes with new signage.