Drivers in group centres across Canberra will need to slow down to 40km/h with the completed rollout of 18 new speed limit zones.
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The ACT government has introduced the reduced speed limits at the Amaroo, Calwell, Charnwood, Chisholm, Conder, Curtin, Dickson, Erindale, Hawker, Jamison, Kaleen, Kingston, Kambah, Kippax, Manuka, Mawson, Wanniassa and Weston shopping centres.
The 40km/h limit applies 24 hours, seven days a week.
Minister for Roads and Parking Mick Gentleman said the slowed traffic would improve safety for all road users.
"In particular, it will help make travel in group centres more safe and comfortable for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users that do not have a hard metal shell to protect them," he said.
"This is particularly important in group centres where there are shared use spaces with increased activity by road users and more complex traffic environments which can include pedestrian crossings, intersections, and on street parking."
Mr Gentleman said the introduction of the 40km/h zones, which previously existed in the city and at the Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Woden and Gungahlin town centres, would reduce the number of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians killed.
"Research indicates that the introduction of a 40km/h speed area can significantly reduce the risk of death for vulnerable road users," he said.
"For example, a 10km/h decrease in travelling speeds can reduce the risk of death for pedestrians and cyclists by over 50 per cent."
Roads ACT began community consultations on the proposed 40km/h speed zones in November and invited feedback.
Roads ACT received 274 responses via an online feedback form, plus 12 written submissions.
Mr Gentleman said the feedback showed "majority support for the selected precincts".
He said the new speed limits would be evaluated using community feedback and traffic surveys in six months.
