Pittwater Online News: On Thursday July 31 it was announced that the speed limit on Barrenjoey Road between Newport and Palm Beach will be reduced from 60 to 50 kilometres per hour from Thursday 7 August, following a safety review.
The Newport Road Safety Review, requested by the immediate former member for Pittwater, identified 46 crashes between July 2019 and June 2024 along Barrenjoey Road from Beaconsfield Street, Newport to Crane Lodge Place, Palm Beach. In response, Transport for NSW will reduce the speed limit to 50 kilometres per hour in both directions to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and to align this section of road with NSW Speed Zoning Standards.
Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said that the reduction in speed was a response to both data and community concern.
“The former Member for Pittwater requested Transport for NSW undertake this review for lower speed limits, with some community groups calling for a drop in speed to reflect the similar drops in speed from Avalon to Palm Beach.”
Currently speed limits are 50km/hr from Etival Rd to Palm Beach with a 40km/hr stretch outside Barrenjoey house.
“Although not everyone in the community will be happy with a speed reduction, there is support for this change from older members of the community, residents’ groups, and local businesses and the Newport Chamber of Commerce...
Ms Scruby, having fully investigated the full details of the proposed speed limit changes, added: "I have written to the Minister to ask for an immediate hold, have asked for further information to critically analyse the decision. I will be challenging the decision, especially for Newport Hill, which is the most problematic stretch to maintain 50km hour and will likely become a speed trap.
"The gloves are on, but realistically we're the underdog. The former Member for Pittwater requested a speed limit review to reduce speed to benefit Newport businesses and we (including me) found out two days ago that we have a consistent 50km zone from top of Newport Hill to Palm Beach as early as next week.''
I have written to the Minister to ask for
(i) an immediate hold as signage is due to change as early as next week
(ii) further information and detailed justification for each change and full briefing
(iii) challenge the decision pending an analysis and listening properly to the community, particularly stretches of most concern (e.g. Newport Hill being a speed trap and not a high pedestrian area) - Survey will be up shortly.
This is the result, based on modernised standards that reflect the growing trend globally and in NSW to reduce speed. I will put together a survey to support my representations.'' Ms Scruby stated.