Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says she’s disappointed that TfNSW’s review of speed limits has not changed its decision on any stretch of road, despite community opposition, and it will be rolled out from 28 August 2025.

Reversing the speed limit reduction from 60kmph to 50kmph between Newport and Palm Beach was always unlikely at this late stage and Ms Scruby was clear to communicate that to the community. The decision was the result of a two-year independent government review requested by the former Member for Pittwater.

“I challenged the speed limit change after thorough review of Technical Guidelines for setting of speed limits in NSW and Austroad guidelines, including the requirement of community consultation. 

“I had particularly strong technical arguments regarding Newport Hill, supporting the commonsense view that, using TfNSW terminology, is not a ‘self-explaining’ 50kmph road. No one would expect a six-lane arterial road to be 50kmph.”

“I’m disappointed TfNSW hasn’t accepted my proposed alternative to trial to improve safety using parking changes at Newport Hill.

“TfNSW has provided more detailed reasoning, but not detailed enough and I’ll be asking further questions when Parliament resumes,” said Ms Scruby

TfNSW indicated that crash data for this short stretch, including two accidents at the bottom of Newport Hill on the weekend I requested a review, exceeded the typical crash rate thresholds, resulting in 80% injury rate. There will be a 4-week grace period on enforcement granted by NSW Police.

“This couldn’t come at a worse time, when people are tearing their hair out that the major safety risk is potholes and flooded roads. My message to TfNSW is to switch your focus and your investment and fix the appalling state of our roads,” Ms Scruby said.

“If there is any silver lining, it’s that I’ve expressed my outrage about upgrades falling short of addressing the worst parts of the road and the government has now committed to further repairs on Barrenjoey Road, especially the Bends, by the end of the year which I’m pushing to include further north also.” 

“Bilgola Bends has just been patched up like a quilt. I’m fighting to get acknowledgement of the subsidence and flooding issues. The status quo of managing roads is not fit for purpose, especially In light of more intense rain as we feel the impacts of climate change,

 “Our community deserves more than patchwork repairs, potholes, and penalty notices. We deserve roads that are safe, reliable, and built to withstand the conditions we live with, and I will continue to push for the government to make this a priority.”