Tasmanian councils will be able to install speed humps as they see fit if a planned law change goes ahead.
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Part of the state Traffic Act stops councils installing speed humps on local roads, except in residential areas or at car park entrances or exits.
Even then, they are forced to open up the plans to public input and seek Transport Commission approval.
The State Growth Department wants to change the legislation.
It wants to allow councils to install speed humps on local roads, and to remove the requirements for Transport Commission approval and public consultation.
Councils would still be able to consult if they wanted to, and the commission would still be able to direct councils about speed humps.
According to the department, the changes would be consistent with the government’s desire to reduce red tape, and would bring requirements for speed humps into line with requirements for other traffic management devices.
The Local Government Association of Tasmania recently urged member councils to support the proposed change.
“This process is antiquated and out of step with the legislation for other larger and more significant road treatments, such as roundabouts,” LGAT staff said in a report for member councils.
“The changes will allow councils greater operational autonomy and flexibility ...”
Councils supported the changes at a recent LGAT meeting.