UPDATE: New South Wales officials have just announced their strong opposition to a controversial proposal aimed at reducing speed limits on rural roads across Australia. Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison stated emphatically that the state will not support the federal government’s plan to lower the default speed limit from 100 km/h to between 90 and 70 km/h.
This urgent development follows the release of the National Road Safety Action Plan in September, which has sparked heated debate among lawmakers and the public alike. Aitchison, addressing NSW Parliament just hours ago, confirmed there are no plans for any blanket speed limit changes in the state, stating: “Let me be very clear, the government does not support blanket speed zone reviews across NSW.”
The proposal has been met with backlash not only from state officials but also from community leaders. On November 10, the deadline for public submissions, Aitchison reiterated on social media that the NSW Government would not implement such restrictions, advocating instead for more targeted road safety initiatives.
The discussion comes as the state honors the 313 lives lost on its roads this year alone, a staggering 20 percent increase compared to the same time last year. This somber milestone coincides with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, emphasizing the urgent need for effective solutions to road safety.
Community voices are calling for a “common sense” approach to improve road safety. Xavier Martin, president of NSW Farmers, criticized the proposed speed limit cuts as “band-aid solutions” that do not address the root causes of road trauma. He emphasized, “Fixing the real driver of road trauma – our ruined roads – is what will make a real difference.”
Across the country, Melissa Price, MP for Durack in Western Australia, also denounced the proposal, urging the government to focus on improving road infrastructure instead of lowering speed limits. “Instead of funding repairs, they’re slowing us down, hurting jobs, freight, and families across the region,” she stated.
Despite the pushback, the federal government defends the proposed speed limit reduction, arguing that many country roads do not meet safety standards for the current speed limit. Safety experts, including Teresa Senserric, Director of the WA Centre for Road Safety Research, support the initiative, citing global trends where lower speed limits correlate with reduced fatalities and crash severity.
The debate on speed limits is far from over, with campaigners urging the government to take decisive action on the deteriorating rural roads. With 860,000 kilometers of unsealed roads making up 66 percent of Australia’s national road network, immediate attention is needed to ensure the safety of all motorists.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the conversation around road safety continues to evolve. Your opinions are welcome as the government seeks to address these critical issues.
