The final strategy is set to be presented in parliament in late 2025 after a period of community consultation, indicating a structured approach to addressing these pressing issues.

While Premier Jacinta Allan has acknowledged that slower driving could save lives, she has not yet committed to adopting the proposed speed limit changes.

Research shows that the risk of death for pedestrians hit by vehicles drops dramatically from 85% at 50km/h to just 10% at 30km/h, underscoring the potential life-saving impact of the proposed speed limit.

This recommendation is part of a broader 30-year draft strategy that outlines $75 billion in new spending, with 50 priority areas and 43 recommendations aimed at addressing Victoria's rapid population growth, projected to exceed 11.5 million by 2055.

Infrastructure Victoria has proposed a significant reduction of local speed limits to 30km/h to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for children, in response to alarming statistics indicating around seven child fatalities and 300 serious injuries on Victorian roads each year.

The World Health Organization supports a maximum speed of 30km/h on urban streets where pedestrians and vehicles coexist, reinforcing the urgency of this recommendation.

Despite the advocacy from the Victorian Government Road Safety Partners for lower speed limits around schools and busy areas, the government has yet to respond to these calls for action.

In addition to the speed limit proposal, the draft strategy includes plans for increasing social housing, expanding kindergarten and school facilities, and enhancing public transport services across the state.

Implementing the new speed limits is estimated to cost between $35 million and $45 million, which would cover new signage and necessary infrastructure improvements such as footpaths and crossings.

Previous trials of 30km/h zones in areas like Yarra have shown positive community adjustment, although there remains skepticism regarding driver adherence to these reduced limits.

The recommendation also highlights that many parents are reluctant to allow their children to walk or cycle alone due to traffic concerns, leading to increased reliance on cars for school drop-offs.

Recent tragic incidents, including the deaths of an 11-year-old boy and a teacher's aide in vehicle accidents near schools, have intensified calls for action to improve road safety.