Sydney to slash speed limits so low pedestrians can 'walk faster' than cars: 'This isn't a country town'

A council has faced backlash as it pushes ahead with plans to lower the speed limit to just 30km/h in Sydney's CBD. 

The City of Sydney announced last week the speed limit will be cut from 50km/h to 40km/h in several inner-city areas including Glebe and Waterloo. 

The move is part of the 'Access Strategy and Action Plan' that was published in November 2023 with the council revealing it also planned to introduce 30km/h speed zones in 'high pedestrian areas'.

An online survey was created to ask residents for their input with only 107 people responding, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Only 23 provided detailed submissions, including from seven individuals, while just one expressed 'general support for lower speed limits'. 

Less than five responses supported the speed limit being cut to 30km/h. 

The lack of responses has prompted calls for the council to consult more widely with locals. 

NSW premier Chris Minns indicated he wouldn't back the proposal to slash the speed limit to just 30km/h, arguing the CBD was not a country town. 

'You could walk quicker than that,' he said. 

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said the change would be a disaster for locals and businesses.

'All this is going to do is create more problems for business and we're already seeing falling numbers of foot traffic in the city,' he told the newspaper.

'30km/h would be another nail in the coffin for business.'

Roads across Annandale, Redfern, Alexandria and Zetland with 50km/h speed limits will also be cut by 10km/h.

The speed limits will be reduced on council managed roads at Glebe, Forest Lodge, Beaconsfield and Waterloo. 

The action plan indicated the council will work on delivering programs that will make it easier and more convenient for pedestrians to walk in the city. 

Reducing vehicle speeds along main streets and neighbourhoods was identified as a way to achieve the objective. 

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore told Daily Mail Australia reducing the speed limit will save lives and make the city more accessible. 

'This is increasingly important as our city becomes more densely populated and we create more space for people to get around on foot and bike,' she said. 

A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the council regularly engaged with the community 

'Changes to speeds on City of Sydney roads have been made methodically over many years with community support and no negative outcomes,' the spokeswoman said. 

'Reducing speed limits is a shared goal of the NSW Government, which has been undertaking this work for more than 20 years'. 

Transport for NSW was contacted comment.