The speed limit for majority of Darwin CBD streets will drop to 40km/h from November 1, Darwin Council has said.

Mayor Kon Vatskalis said low-speed limits in cities had proven economic, social, health and environmental benefits.

However the speed limits on The Esplanade, Daly St, McMinn St, Austin Ln, Spain Pl, Harry Chan Ave, Garramilla Blvd, and Smith St from The Esplanade to Bennett St will not be changed.

“Having a 40 km/h speed limit throughout the CBD will make it easier and safer for people to get around and is in line with global trends, which see most major Australian cities reducing speed limits in built-up areas,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“By slowing down speed limits, it’s safer for people to walk or ride their bikes or scooters through the city centre, which means we can reduce emissions from vehicles as well as reduce the possibility of accidents.

“We can implement more initiatives that benefit local businesses, such as the parklet we installed on Mitchell Street, which has created an alfresco dining space in one of the on-street parking spaces and which I hope to see more of in the future.”

The agenda for the June 13 council meeting showed the results of a website survey conducted by the council from March 27 to April 15, where 29 per cent of 115 respondents opposed changing the speed limits in the city. While 64 supported some increase in the number of streets in the city with a reduced speed limit, and seven per cent gave other suggestions.