A 40km/h speed limit will apply throughout the Orange CBD if Transport for NSW backs an Orange City Council recommendation.
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Council this week voted by 8-3 to ask the government body to consider lowering the limit from 50km/h to make the city more pedestrian friendly.
The move, which is backed by the Orange Business Chamber, is a key part of the Future City revitalisation project for the centre of the city.
They've got the skin in the game in terms of wanting to see more pedestrian-use.
- Cr Joanne McRae
It would apply in the area bounded by Kite, Byng, Peisley and Hill streets.
While some councillors said the move was unnecessary as vehicles were not travelling much faster than 40km/h now and would likely increase 'revenue-raising', others said it would be a positive step.
Cr Joanne McRae said pedestrian safety was more important than how fast people could drive through the city.
She said the OBC's support was important.
"They've got the skin in the game in terms of wanting to see more pedestrian-use, wanting people to slow down and have a look at what's in the windows, have a look at perhaps the empty shops which are no longer shells with For Lease signs that have actually got historic photos," she said.
Cr McRae said it would help make people feel safer in the city. "Let's make it consistent and a place that is welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists," she said.
Cr Stephen Nugent said it would help activate the Future City plans.
"This is not about revenue raising. It's about making the CBD more walkable and more bicycle-friendly. It's about getting people into the CBD and using the CBD and walking through the CBD at all times of the day, from 6am to 3am the next morning," Cr Nugent said.
He said lower speed limits would help reduce accident injury risks.
Cr Scott Munro said he had changed his mind and now supported the cut.
Cr Russell Turner said the speed limit was now 30km/h in one part of Sydney.
He said cutting the speed limit was a "great idea" to improve safety. "It will be up to Transport for NSW. They may knock it back as well," he said.
Mayor Cr Reg Kidd asked about having different speed limits at different times but staff said they were not aware of it occurring in a CBD.
Crs Kevin Duffy, Glenn Taylor and Jeff Whitton voted against the motion.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
