BRISBANE’S Lord Mayor has put the brakes on an idea to lower speed limits to 30km/h in some suburban streets after a cyclist-lobby group peddled the proposal.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk told a meeting of Brisbane City councillors he felt lowering the speed limit to 30km/h was “unacceptable to the broad range of Brisbane people.”

Cyclist-lobby group Space for Cycling floated the idea last month, stressing it was about community safety on suburban streets while encouraging short trips by foot or bike.

The Brisbane CBD speed limit was dropped to 40km/h on most streets in 2009 by the council as pedestrians and cyclist numbers were expected to grow on the city roads.

However, Cr Quirk slapped down the new proposal after being quizzed about it by councillor Peter Cumming during council’s question time.

“I again say to Cr Cummings (sic), if this is something you are supporting and proposing, you should declare that in the chamber today because I am saying simply I don’t believe it has widespread support among Brisbane people,” Cr Quirk said.

He added he was “happy for debate to rage” but said he thought the conversation had “a long way to go before there would be any change of policy position from this administration”.

brisbane City Council Opposition leader Councillor Peter Cumming said he also opposed the measure.

He described a 30km/h proposed speed limit as being “ridiculously low and virtually impossible for motorists to comply with.”

“It would be a gold mine for the government if the police decided to enforce it,” Cr Cumming said.

He invited residents to try to comply with such a limit near their homes.

“Many cyclists would be overtaking cars if truth be told.”