In late May, early June 2024, the Speed limit on Johnson Rd, past Forestdale, was reduced from 70 to 60 Kph.

As I wanted to no why that decision was made I firsts checked The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) criteria for reducing speed limits. As fast as I could see nothing has changed on Johnston Rd, relative to ther criteria. See my email below for that.

I therfore sent a email to our local state member and then discovering that it was a local council issue, to our local councilor.

Tim.

Initially I wrote to Leann Enoch about this and was informed by Brad Yates, that Johnson Road is a local government road under the join responsibility of Logan and Brisbane City Council.

He. Said that he had forwarded my email to you. Hence I have the same Question for you:

Can you please tell me why the speed limit on Johnston Rd Forestdale at the Hillcrest end, has been reduced when none of the factors listed on the main roads website for chances in speed limits has changed?

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/speed-limits

“How speed limits are set

The Department of Transport and Main Roads and local governments set speed limits in Queensland within strict guidelines to ensure limits are consistent and credible.

These factors are considered when determining speed limits:

• the number and configuration of traffic lanes
• housing density and type of development
• the amount of on-road parking
• access to property arrangements
• traffic signals
• patterns of crashes that have occurred.

A speed limit may be lowered on a hazardous section of road if it's believed it will help reduce the number of crashes.”

I assume that Logan council would have the same or similar guidelines for settings food limits?

Thanks Geoff Greig

Hi Geoff,

Our Reference 3536282

Thank you for contacting Council expressing your concerns regarding the Johnston Road, Hillcrest speed limit changes. The request has been forwarded by Cr Frazer’s office for investigation and response. I am writing to advise that Council’s Traffic Team have now reviewed the situation and wish to advise you of the outcome.

Speed limits are set considering the function of the road, the road user's reasonable perception of the speed environment and abutting land use. Changing the speed limit of a road involves a formal speed limit review which has to be supported by Council’s Speed Management Advisory Committee (SMAC). This committee involves representatives from Brisbane City Council, Logan City Council, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Police and RACQ.

Recently, as you are aware, a speed limit review of Johnson Road was completed by Brisbane City Council. The speed limit review consisted primarily of identifying risk. Some sections of Johnson Road have been identified as having a high level of reported crashes and therefore the speed limit was reduced by 10km/h. It is believed that reducing the speed limit will help reduce the number of crashes and their severity, and therefore was endorsed by SMAC.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and local governments set speed limits in Queensland within strict guidelines to ensure limits are consistent and credible. In this instance, “A speed limit may be lowered on a hazardous section of road if it's believed it will help reduce the number of crashes” is relevant.

I hope that the above information addresses your concerns.

Kind Regards,

Emily Gallagher

Traffic Engineer | Road Infrastructure Planning

Emily,

Thank you for your email.

However it does not address my concerns.

If the DTMR criteria, relevant point for reducing the speed limit on Johnson Rd, is a belief it will help reduce the number of crashes, then logically, that should apply to all roads.

Why has Johnson Rd, or any other roads, been chosen, rather than all roads?

Unless I have misunderstood your email, I note that the DTMR criteria of “patterns of crashes that have occurred”, does not apply. Otherwise, I assume, you would have used it.

It is my understanding that the patterns of crashes on Johnson Rd has not significantly changed relative to road usage in the last 20 years. If you can prove otherwise, please provide me with that evidence.

It appears to me that the decision was made on the basis of a illogical belief, rather than evidence.

Hence my concern remains

If other groups have a different belief, will that speed limit revert back to what it was?

Thanks Geoff Greig

Speed limit Decrease Johnson Rd

It seems that an illogical belief, rather than evidence, was used to make the decision to reduce the speed limit on Johnson Rd from 70 to 60 Kph, base on the correspondence on had with a Logan council

http://greig.homeip.net/doku.php?id=johnson_rd_speed_limit_reduction

I have said such to them and asked them follow up questions.