There’s continued interest from around the country in the changes the NSW government has made to temporary speed limits in workzones, including in Western Australia where TMAA recently spoke on ABC Radio. Unfortunately, what much of the reporting in the media isn’t making clear is that there are many reasons why temporary speed restrictions may still apply through roadworks, even when workers aren’t present – and that’s to protect the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

Earlier this month, the NSW Minns government delivered on its election commitment to remove roadworks speed limits outside of construction hours, when it is safe to do so. However, this change does not give NSW motorists ‘carte blanche’ to disregard temporary speed restrictions if they don’t see any workers. The NSW Roads Minister’s media release from 1 July clearly articulates that this certainly isn’t the case:

“All road users must comply with the posted speed limit, including where speed limits are reduced due to road work, which often result in changed road conditions.”

TMAA was asked on Tuesday to discuss the NSW changes on ABC’s WA’s Statewide Drive program with Andrew Collins, specifically with the lens of whether WA should change its laws so that temporary speed restrictions don't apply outside works hours.

TMAA’s Policy and Advocacy Strategist, Matthew Bell, made clear that the NSW laws still provide provision for temporary speed limits to apply outside of work hours or when workers are not present, and that’s because it isn’t safe for motorists to go any faster. Edge drops, excavation, road plates, reduced lane widths, freshly resurfaced roads and other hazards necessitate lower speed limits at all times until the hazard no longer remains.

You can listen to the full interview HERE (click link).

When motorists see a reduced speed limit, compliance isn’t optional. It must be followed, for their safety and that of all other road users.