UPDATE: The State Government has just announced a groundbreaking shift in road safety regulations that will significantly impact commuters. The new legislation aims to eliminate speed limits around construction zones outside working hours where it is deemed safe. This is a direct response to mounting frustrations from residents experiencing delays due to unnecessary speed restrictions.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, expressed that this change is particularly welcome on the Central Coast, where over $800 million in road upgrades are currently underway. Notably, the $19 million major upgrade of Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy is among the key projects in progress.
“Residents have reached out to me, expressing their frustration over being forced to adhere to construction speed limits during non-work hours, adding unnecessary time to their daily commutes,” Tesch stated. “This reform is about finding the right balance—ensuring that speed limits are both appropriate and respected, while maintaining worker safety.”
As it stands, current regulations keep construction speed limits in effect even when no work is actively taking place. This situation often leads to drivers slowing down on unobstructed roads, causing delays without any apparent justification. The newly introduced Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, presented in Parliament last week, mandates that all road authorities, including local councils and their contractors, adhere to a new standard for roadwork signage as directed by Transport for NSW.
The bill proposes a common-sense approach: if a roadwork area is identified but there are no workers on-site, motorists will be permitted to return to normal driving speeds. This system mirrors successful implementations in Victoria and South Australia, where easing speed restrictions has been well-received.
The new standards are expected to be finalized by the end of 2023, following consultations with stakeholders. The implementation of this system is slated for 2025, marking a significant shift in how roadwork safety is managed.
This urgent development not only aims to enhance traffic flow but also addresses the concerns of countless commuters who are tired of unnecessary delays. The community is encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as this bill progresses through Parliament.
As residents await the finalization of these changes, the focus remains on ensuring both safety and efficiency on the roads. The potential impact on daily commutes could be substantial, making this a highly anticipated reform in road management practices.
