Annerley Road has a posted 60 km/h speed limit, despite a string of crashes recorded over the past five years. Between 2019 and 2024 there were 43 reported crashes along the route, which runs between Dutton Park through Annerley towards Fairfield.
Read: Annerley Road Speed Limit Review Sought by Residents
In some sections the road narrows to a single lane in each direction and is lined with driveways, bus stops and shops. Many residents and parents say the speed feels out of step with the area’s suburban character and local pedestrian and cycle traffic.
Traffic monitoring data from Brisbane in March 2024 showed average weekday speeds along parts of the road ranged between 37.8 km/h and 45.4 km/h—well below the 60 km/h speed limit. Yet despite the crash history and observed driver behaviour, there is no formal speed-limit review currently under way for Annerley Road.
By comparison, Ipswich Road, which connects to Annerley Road, had its limit reduced to 50 km/h in 2020–21 after community requests and a formal review. Gladstone Road was also reduced to 50 km/h after a speed-limit review prompted by local concerns. Annerley Road, however, remains an exception.
BCC is conducting a study to investigate potential future active-travel design options for the corridor, but this project is not a formal speed-limit review. Any change to the posted limit would require further assessment and sign-off by Council, the Queensland Government and the police.
Residents Push for Safer Design
As part of the study, community feedback gathered via an online interactive map revealed strong local concern. Residents called for more pedestrian crossings, removal of slip lanes, protected bike lanes and traffic-calming measures to prevent rat-running through side streets.
Several noted that crossing between Ipswich Road and Annerley Road can take multiple traffic-light cycles and is difficult for older pedestrians or those with mobility challenges. Some reported cars preparing to turn queue across crossings at the Fanny Street intersection when pedestrian lights turn green.
Parents participating in local “bike-bus” programs, which help children ride safely to Yeronga, Junction Park and Dutton Park state schools, say the current road design and high speed limit make independent cycling impossible for younger riders. Organisers say the community-led rides have helped build children’s confidence on bikes, but they stress infrastructure and lower speeds are key to long-term safety.
Broader Push for Lower Urban Speeds
Queensland’s default urban speed limit was reduced to 50 km/h in 1999, a change shown by research to reduce crash severity. Studies by RMIT University and Bicycle Queensland indicate that lowering limits further to 30 km/h on residential streets could significantly improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians while adding only minimal time to car trips. Some Australian cities and local areas, including parts of Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast (Cotton Tree), are trialling or implementing lower-speed zones.
For advocates in Annerley the examples provide a roadmap. They argue that aligning Annerley Road with neighbouring corridors would not only save lives but also encourage more people to walk or cycle.
Read: Confusing Annerley Road Sign to Be Rectified After 2 Years
A Road Waiting for Change
While Brisbane continues to gather data and community feedback, residents say they hope Annerley Road’s future will reflect its changing character, prioritising safety over speed. Until any change is approved, the 60 km/h signs remain in place on a road that residents say is not yet designed to comfortably accommodate prams, school groups and cyclists.
Published 24-October-2025
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