A NEW proposal to drop speed limits to 40kmh in selected parts of Midland Town Centre has been put forward for community consultation by the City of Swan in consultation with Main Roads WA.

The changes would extend throughout the city centre, with potential streets targeted for the lower limits including major thoroughfares such as Great Eastern Highway and Victoria Street.

City of Swan chief executive officer Stephen Cain said that should the proposal move forward, the city would look at introducing physical infrastructure modifications to accompany potential speed reductions.

“Improvements such as additional tree planting and landscaping, upgrading footpaths, public art installations and other small-scale enhancements will make a significant difference to Midland, while supporting local businesses and encouraging greater community activity,” he said.

“Lower speed environments may also support a more comfortable experience for people walking, cycling, and spending time in busy activity centres.”

A similar proposal for selected streets in Ellenbrook has also gone to public comment in response to community concerns over vehicle speeds, rat-running, and road safety.

When asked by Echo News how the lower speeds are expected to affect motorists, Mr Cain said the change in travel time is expected to be minimal.

“For most trips within the proposed Midland Going 40kmh (project) area, any increase in travel time is expected to be minimal,” he said.

“The roads being considered are relatively short and many already experience intersections, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and turning movements that naturally influence travel speeds.

“As a result, any difference in journey time is likely to be measured in seconds rather than minutes for many local trips.”

“While the process is still in the consultation stage, the city intends to collect data from the community before submitting a proposal to Main Roads WA.”

A Main Roads WA spokesperson said the feedback from the local community will be evaluated alongside standard technical traffic data before any final revisions are approved.

“Main Roads recognises the importance of community feedback in providing local insight into how roads are used and experienced,” they said.

“Following the consultation period, the City of Swan will review the feedback received and determine whether it wishes to progress the proposal to Main Roads for consideration.

“The outcomes of that consultation are considered alongside technical assessments, such as crash history, traffic volumes, road environment, and network function.”

The comment window remains open until July 13 with submissions accepted through the Swan Engage platform.

Residents can also visit an in-person pop-up stall near the Target entrance at Midland Gate from 10am on Saturday, July 4 to view the project details and submit feedback.