Road toll: Pedestrian deaths at an all-time high
Shocking new data prompts calls for lower CBD speed limits and better e-mobility regulationThe News
Government statistics have revealed pedestrian deaths are up almost 50 per cent compared to in 2021, with experts nominating speed limits and electronic mobility devices – like e-scooters – as the main culprits.
The Key Details
- Total road fatalities are up 22.2 per cent since mid-2021
- Pedestrian fatalities have increased by 48.6 per cent
- NSW was the deadliest state of the past 12 months
- Australian Pedestrian Association calls for 30km/h speed limit
The Finer Details
According to statistics from the national road safety data hub, 1340 people died on Australian roads between July 2024 and July 2025, of which 205 were pedestrians, marking increases of 2.9 and 27.3 per cent respectively.
Total fatalities since July 2021 meantime have increased 22.2 per cent while pedestrian deaths are up 48.6 per cent – despite the adoption of a national road safety strategy intended to halve road deaths by 2030.
In the context of pedestrian deaths, WA was found to have had the sharpest increase (121.4%) with 31 deaths over the past 12 months ending July 31 compared to just 14 the year before, figures that have prompted calls for even lower urban speed limits.
Australian Pedestrian Association chief executive Harold Scruby told the ABC one solution would be to adopt a national 30km/h CBD limit and better-govern the use of e-mobility devices.
“We could easily make all of our CBDs 30km/h,” he said.
“Paris, London, Madrid have 30km/h zones in high pedestrian activity areas, and that also helps the cyclists. The traffic moves well together and safely.
“Footpaths were created for one purpose, to protect pedestrians from vehicles and to make us safe – and what do we do? We invite these high-powered motor bikes and e-scooters, and we expect things to not go awry.”
The Road Ahead
According to the ABC, state transport ministers met in Melbourne this month where it was decided the WA government would draft a framework to regulate the use of e-scooters, which in turn would be supported by other jurisdictions.
“The Australian government is continuing to work with the states and territories to identify the risks and opportunities they, as well as personal mobility devices more broadly, present – and identify appropriate risk management strategies,” spokesperson for Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said.
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