The speed limit on Tullamarine Freeway will be increased to 80kmh, even after the upgrade works are completed.
The limits on the road has already been reduced due to the CityLink Tulla Widening Project, and will permanently remain at that limit for 80% of the busy arterial road. A 100kmh speed limit will be allowed for the 5.5km road between Melrose Drive and Melbourne Airport.
According to general manager of public policy at RACV, Bryce Prosser, there has been evidence to indicate that flexible speed limits have been helpful on roads with heavy traffic. These variable speed limits allow people to drive at a suitable speeds according to changing traffic environments. He added that such variable speed limits are easily attainable due to modern technology, and that trials for flexible speeds on the Monash Freeway in 2017 have been successful. Therefore, a similar trial should be performed for the Tullamarine Freeway after the roadworks are finished.
However, the safety of road users will remain as the main consideration before any changes are finalised.
Road safety is a major concern on Australian roads, as the government aims to achieve zero deaths. Apart from enforcing strict rules such a low speed limits, poster printing and display are often carried out to remind drivers not to engage in speeding, drunk driving or driving when fatigued.
