Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby MP has secured a second delay until the end of August on implementing a speed reduction on Barrenjoey Road from Newport north.

“It’s not easy to stop bureaucratic wheels in motion, but warning signs have been switched off until 28 August as TfNSW responds to my technical challenges. The proposed speed limit changes, particularly for Newport Hill, could be fixed using parking limitations as a safe alternative.”

Ms Scruby has reviewed the NSW Speed Zoning Standard Technical Direction, and AustRoad standards, met with TfNSW, assessed each section of road, and requested technical justifications.

However, Ms Scruby warns that reversing this decision is unlikely given the independent and technical process for setting speed limits in NSW, which was updated in 2023 and reflects the speed limit reductions happening across Australia. 

“There are a number of challenges I’ve made based on the Technical Direction, particularly for Newport Hill, where the standards require other considerations to be balanced, including efficient and reliable travel, a presumption that arterial roads should be 60km/hr and the need for consultation with community, which does not appear to have occurred.”

“Locals know Newport Hill well, and while safety concerns are real, it’s not clear that dropping the limit to 50km/h is the most effective solution,” Ms Scruby said. “I believe changes to parking arrangements could do more to improve visibility and driveway access than simply slowing traffic and creating a revenue raising speed trap and I’ve asked TfNSW to specifically consider this alternative.”

Ms Scruby also challenged recent roadworks on Bilgola Bends which were prioritised but missed the worst areas that she’s been campaigning to have fixed since taking office.

"I’ve since had confirmation this will now be addressed this year.

“My message to TfNSW is one of common sense - if you care about safety - fix the roads, address subsidence and flooding and ensure we don’t have recurrent potholes that drivers are forced to swerve around.”

Ms Scruby has formally asked Transport for NSW over 30 technical questions including:

• Detailed crash data for the sections under review

• Clear rationale behind each proposed change

• If and when community and council consultation occurred 

“Our community deserves transparency and it’s disappointing Rory Amon requested speed limit changes without broader community consultation. Before making changes that affect thousands of daily road users, the Government needs to show the evidence and engage with locals properly,” Ms Scruby said.

She added that she is open to measures that genuinely improve safety but wants to ensure they are practical, targeted and effective.

“Pittwater residents want safe roads — but we also want smart solutions. I’ll keep working to make sure our community is heard before any final decision is made.”