Many locals pedestrians said it was difficult to cross the busy street in one go.

One resident, Jess Vrettas, said the street was so busy that driving at 50km/h was rare – but more time to cross was a welcomed change.

“The streets are so long, I sometimes struggle to get across, so older people can only make it half way,” Ms Vrettas said. 

Jason Gaylor, who works for the Ballarat City Council, says the changes will improve conditions for those crossing.

“It’ll make it a lot safer for pedestrians and elderly people,” he said. 

But Ballarat resident Stuart Bakes said lowering the limit takes away responsibility from the driver to use common sense and do the right thing.

Mr Bakes also had no sympathy for those who struggled to make it across the road in time. 

“You’d have to be infirm not to be able to cross the street,” he said.