Member for Strathfield Charles Casuscelli has mixed feelings about the 40 kph speed limits that Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and Burwood Council are introducing in Burwood Town Centre to improve pedestrian safety.
The reduced speed limits are being installed in areas which have high levels of pedestrian activity and include areas around Burwood railway station, the shops along Burwood Road and the Westfield shopping centre.
Charles said: "Of course I support road safety initiatives, but imposing greater restrictions on the majority of motorists that do the right thing is not the answer, reducing speed limits does not affect the behaviors of the negligent, criminal or anti-social members of our community.
"I am concerned that we appear to have forgotten that roads are there for the movement of traffic, they are unsafe for pedestrians that do the wrong thing, we should not be sending messages that roads are safer and more forgiving if you do the wrong thing.
"Burwood road is a main thoroughfare for cars and public transport and imposing speed restrictions from 50 kph to 40 kph at time when there is little pedestrian activity such as outside of business hours makes little sense, but I understand that we need to strike a balance between traffic movement efficiency and safety.
"I understand that lower speeds improve a motorist's ability to stop and if a pedestrian crash does occur, it is likely to be less severe.
"Given the relatively high number of crashes in the area I will support this initiative for the time being and I have asked Roads and Maritime Services to report to me on how the scheme performs, I will keep a close watch on its effects to our community.
A 40km/h speed limit will be installed on sections of Burwood Road, Comer Street, Park Avenue, Dunns Lane, Victoria Street, Elsie Street, John Street, George Street, Railway Crescent, Railway Parade, Wynne Avenue, Clarendon Place, Belmore Street, Sym Avenue, Sym Lane, Livingstone Street, Meryla Street, Wilga Street, Webbs Lane, Youth Lane, Mary Street, Marmaduke Street, Waimea Street, Deane Street, Ford Lane, Burleigh Street, Elizabeth Street, Pilchers Lane and Clarence Street.
"The new 40km/h speed limits are enforceable, so when you're on these roads make sure you obey the new speed limit" Charles concluded.
Members of the community can sign up at the Safer Roads NSW website to receive updates about changes to permanent speed limits in their nominated area and have their say on speed limit