All the way at 50k

All speed limits north of Mona Vale are set to be cut to 50 km/h or slower from August.

The surprise reduction in speed to 50 km/h along Barrenjoey Road from Beaconsfield Street at Newport to Crane Lodge Place at Palm Beach means all traffic between Newport and Palm Beach will now be travelling at 50 km/h (or slower).

The move to reduce speed along the main road was announced quietly via the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) website last week (Thursday, 24 July), and was justified by TfNSW as being in response to ‘community concerns’.

“A speed zone review was conducted in 2024 in response to a number of community concerns about speed on Barrenjoey Road.

“The review identified 46 crashes between July 2019 and June 2024 on this stretch of Barrenjoey Road.

“In response to the review’s findings, the decision was made to reduce the speed limit to 50 km/h along Barrenjoey Road, between Beaconsfield Street, Newport and Crane Lodge Place, Palm Beach.

“This change will improve safety for pedestrians and other road users and bring this section of Barrenjoey Road in line with NSW Speed Zoning Standards.

“New signs will be installed from early August,” said a TfNSW spokesperson.

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby (image above) said she supported the changes recommended, but added the request for the review had originally come from her predecessor Rory Amon.

“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.

“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 Newport Chamber of Commerce.

“This was not a NSW State Government initiative, nor a [Northern Beaches] Council initiative but was instead driven by community groups and business groups and requested by Rory Amon. It is, however, disappointing there was no broader community consultation or engagement.

“This change will put people before pace, which reflects our community values,” said Ms Scruby.

It is understood the Newport business community is keen to see moves toward the current 50 km/h speed limit being reduced to 40 km/h through the shopping district.

Ms Scruby said that slowing vehicle speeds through the town centres has benefits for local businesses.

“Newport in particular is a shopping strip that is facing significant challenges, and this measure will help entice people to stop and shop, which will benefit local businesses and go some way to supporting a revitalisation of Newport.

“Data shows we have had accidents in this stretch and from Transport for NSW research clearly shows pedestrian safety benefits, with distance to stopping halving for each 10 km less of speed. The drop to 50 km/h from 60 km/h will reduce the distance to stop by approximately 20m.

“This is particularly important in high pedestrian areas, including the Newport shopping precinct, and the stretch from Avalon to aptly named Kamikaze Corner, where there is no footpath and people risk their safety walking very close to the traffic. Most people who have walked that stretch will recollect a close call.

“Not everyone will welcome this decision, but it has clear evidence and safety benefits and was requested by key groups in our community. Footpaths and better infrastructure are also needed which I will continue to advocate for, many have been promised for decades and never delivered,” said Ms Scruby.

The speed limit changes will be implemented by TfNSW between Thursday, 07 August and Sunday, 31 August 2025, weather permitting, with one day shift to carry out signage changes and up to two night shifts for road marking changes. Works will include:

• Replacing 60 km/h signage and road markings with 50 km/h signage and road markings between 845 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach and Beaconsfield Street, Newport
• Removing ‘End 50 Area’ signs from side streets within the affected zone
• Installing additional 60 km/h signage and road markings southbound between Beaconsfield Street, Newport and The Avenue, Newport

Feedback

Tell us what you think about the speed limit change.

Images: Northern Beaches Advocate, NSW Ambulance

What did you miss this week?

Get the week's news delivered free to your inbox every Saturday. Subscribe to our free email newsletter.