Austroads has released an update to its Guide to Road Safety Part 3: Safe Speeds (AGRS), providing guidance to road authorities for safe and effective speed management.
The revision is informed by comprehensive research that synthesised the latest evidence and engaged stakeholders to ensure the recommendations are relevant and actionable.
Safe speed limits are a critical component of road safety. Even small reductions in speed can significantly reduce road trauma while also improving public health and wellbeing, increasing opportunities for walking and cycling, and reducing vehicle noise. The guide draws on international best practice and Australasian experience to provide clear, practical advice for implementing safer speed limits across a variety of road environments.
Road Safety and Design Program Manager at Austroads, Michael Nieuwesteeg, said that the updated AGRS Part 3 reflects a holistic, evidence-based approach to speed management.
“It is designed to support decision makers and practitioners in delivering safer speeds across the network while considering broader benefits for communities,” Nieuwesteeg said.
The guide is informed by a detailed review of research on speed, safety outcomes, and co-benefits. It shows that lower speed limits reduce road trauma, fuel consumption, and noise, while impacts on emissions vary depending on engine type and road conditions. Safer speeds also improve public health, accessibility, and the safety of vulnerable road users, with minimal effects on travel times and an overall positive economic impact.
It also incorporates strategies for selecting, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating speed limits. Using Safe System thresholds alongside Movement and Place frameworks and taking a holistic view of risk supports safe speed selection. Data, infrastructure design, land use planning, vehicle technologies, and monitoring public perception are highlighted as key factors in effective speed management.
Stakeholder engagement reinforced these findings, emphasising the importance of trusted champions, strategic communications, and the rapid sharing of results to build public support.
“The guide provides practical advice for implementing safer speeds, recognising the constraints faced by local governments and road authorities. It encourages incremental improvements where full compliance with Safe System thresholds is not immediately achievable,” Nieuwesteeg said.
The revised guide recommends focusing on speed limits within the Safe System philosophy, integrating speed management with existing Movement and Place frameworks, and adopting a network-level approach. It also provides guidance on using data to inform decisions, capturing post-implementation results, and strategically engaging communities to support changes. Infrastructure interventions are classified according to their contribution to safety, and co-benefits such as environmental and public health outcomes are addressed wherever possible.
“We hope the revised AGRS Part 3 will serve as a useful resource for practitioners, local governments, and road safety decision makers, supporting agencies to implement safer speed limits that reduce road trauma, improve accessibility, and deliver broader community benefits,” Nieuwesteeg said.
Download the updated Austroads Guide to Road Safety Part 3: Safe Speeds
Download the technical report that informed the update: Review of Speed Management Evidence and Guidance
