We received requests from residents to reduce the speed limit in the Old Noarlunga township from 50km/h to 40km/h to improve pedestrian safety.

In response, we conducted a review of the road network in Old Noarlunga and confirmed that Patapinda Road and the other local roads within the township are well suited to a 40km/h speed-limited area (40 AREA).

The township has an enclosed road network with one entry point from Main South Road and one entry point just south of the Church Hill Road and Patapinda Road intersection which provides a well-defined 40 AREA for all road users.

A change in pavement surface is already installed at the intersection of Church Hill Road and Patapinda Road indicating to drivers a change in road environment from rural to urban where the speed limit will lower to 40km/h.

Reducing the speed limit to 40km/h will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Patapinda Road at various locations including:

  • Market Square Reserve, the Noarlunga Institute and Winnaynee Horse Inn Reserve
  • Old Noarlunga Primary School’s crossing for children walking and riding to and from school
  • Noarlunga Football Club, Tennis Club and the playground at the Noarlunga Recreation Ground
  • the Old Noarlunga Hotel, hairdressers, cafés, shops and other businesses
  • pedestrians accessing bus stops
  • the narrow bridge over the Onkaparinga River
  • the pedestrian refuge near Main South Road


    • Extending the 40km/h speed limit to include the narrow bridge over the Onkaparinga River, the pedestrian refuge near Main South Road and all roads within the Old Noarlunga township will provide a consistent speed limit for all road users and improve road safety for visitors and residents within the township.

    Reducing the speed limit by 10km/h will result in a small increase of approximately 19 seconds additional travel time on Patapinda Road, as evidenced by practical drive through assessments.

    In South Australia, speed limits fall under the delegation of Department for Infrastructure and Transport and are set in accordance with Australian standards and DIT guidelines as this provides a consistent approach across the road network.

    In January 2025, the 40km/h speed limit will come into effect, and the associated 40 AREA signage will be installed. During 2025, we will closely monitor the effectiveness of 40km/h speed limit on vehicle speeds and road safety.

    A map showing the location of the speed limit change can be found under Documents.

    • Approval from DIT

      On 17 June 2024, we applied to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) requesting approval for a 40km/h speed-limited area as our investigations had confirmed the Old Noarlunga township is consistent with DIT’s guidelines for a 40 AREA.

      The Department responded and provided approval for a section of Patapinda Road and all the streets throughout the Old Noarlunga township to be reduced to 40km/h 40 AREA.

    • Time added to journey

      Reducing the speed limit by 10km/h will result in a small increase in travel time on local roads within Old Noarlunga and only result in a small increase in travel time on Patapinda Road.

      Patapinda Road, between Church Hill Road and Charles Street, is one km long, it has curves and a changing road environment. This means vehicles do not travel at the speed limit consistently. Other factors like other vehicles and waiting at intersections also increases overall travel times.

    • Practical drive through assessments

      We have conducted practical drive through assessments on Patapinda Road measuring the increases in travel time at the current speed limit of 50km/h and at the new speed limit of 40km/h.

      At 50km/h, the travel time is approximately 1 minute and 19 seconds; and, at 40km/h, the travel time is approximately 1 minute and 38 seconds. Therefore, there is only approximately a 19 second delay with a 10km/h reduction in speed limit.