Marine Parade Foreshore: Proposed speed limit change from 40km/h to 30km/h in Cottesloe floated by council

A western suburbs’ council plans to reduce the speed limit along a well-travelled stretch of road to 30km/h. The Town of Cottesloe’s proposal to reduce the speed limit from 40km/hr is an effort, with Main Roads, to reduce traffic along Marine Parade Foreshore and accommodate the high number of pedestrians. The council tabled the proposal at a council meeting on Tuesday, arguing that recent speed surveys indicated 85 per cent of vehicles using the road are driving at 50km/h — 10km/h above the posted limit. However, the average of all vehicles surveyed along the road traveled at 40km/h, which is in line with the limit. However, before and after this section of Marine Parade, the speed limit is 50km/h, which means drivers’ speeds drop significantly by 20km/h when they reach the foreshore. “A reduction in the posted speed limit will provide a more conducive pedestrian environment,” an officer’s report states. “This is consistent with the safe active street design principles used to develop the 2019 approved Foreshore Masterplan and the subsequent March 2021 approved detail design.” The proposed change in speed limit coincides with increased pedestrian activity from the new Dutch Inn playground and the expansion of Curtin Living to include retail, eateries and drinking spots. Despite conceding that the current speed limit allows for “higher traffic performance”, the council argues the reduction will benefit overall safety, especially along the Forrest Street and Grant Street sections of Marine Parade. “It is our view that the current 40km/h posted limit between Forrest Street and Grant Street section and the other parts of Marine Parade (currently posted 50km/h) is insufficient to influence a change in driver behaviour,” council staff said. “Increasing the posted speed differential between the two distinct sections of Marine Parade (Forrest Street to Grant Street and the other sections) to 20km/h offers a more definitive change towards improving pedestrian safety. “This reduction also aligns with the goals of the Council approved Foreshore Masterplan, which focuses on creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly streetscape.” In addition to the proposed speed limit change, speed cushions have also been suggested to keep traffic in check south of Forrest Street, but they are recommended as a temporary measure only. In April 2023, the council rejected all bids to upgrade its iconic beachfront strip and instead opted for a staged and “strategic’ series of upgrades. The Town of Cottesloe received a $342,501 grant from Main Roads to upgrade Marine Parade as part of a project budgeted at more than $562,000. Staff recommended councillors invite the proponents to apply for the tender for works including the upgrade of the Marine Parade section fronting carpark one and resurfacing of the remaining section. But council voted behind closed doors to reject all Expressions of Interest and “not to proceed with the Marine Parade Upgrade at this stage”. The council instructed the CEO to seek further funding sources to enable the delivery of the next phase of the Foreshore Masterplan “in a strategic and cost-effective way.” Deputy Mayor Helen Sadler argued that implementing the Foreshore Masterplan in strategic phases would cost less and be less disruptive to beach users. The decision meant the council must return the grant.