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Warning against prioritizing speed over road safety

Published July 15, 2026 at 6:02 AM UTC

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Critics of the proposed speed limit increase warn that higher speeds are not safety-neutral and could lead to more severe outcomes in the event of a crash. Road safety experts point out that increasing the limit from 100km/h to 110km/h significantly increases stopping distances and reduces the time drivers have to react to hazards. The Princes corridor is not a uniform, open rural road; it is a busy commuter and freight route characterized by frequent merging, lane changes, and recurrent congestion. Skeptics argue that in such conditions, the theoretical time savings are often negated by the reality of traffic flow. If a higher speed limit leads to more frequent or more severe accidents, the resulting road closures and emergency responses could actually make travel times less reliable rather than more efficient. Furthermore, opponents suggest that resources would be better spent addressing actual bottlenecks and intersection safety rather than pursuing a policy change that may prioritize marginal time gains over the well-being of road users. They urge policymakers to prioritize evidence-based safety standards that account for the complex, high-volume nature of the Melbourne-to-Geelong corridor.