Speed limit cuts on Coonabarabran, Waverley roads to ‘improve safety’: Transport for NSW

Residents across the Liverpool Plains have been left frustrated and confused after speed limits on two key regional roads were abruptly reduced from 100kmh to 80kmh without warning.

The changes affect Coonabarabran Road and Waverley Road, where new signage was installed before local authorities were formally notified, sparking concern among community members and local leaders.

In an update on speed limits in the northern region, Transport for NSW justified the change as both are predominantly rural roads with towns along its length.

“Previous crash history and the number of intersections and driveways have been taken into consideration. The speed limit change is expected to improve safety for residents and road users,” the information read.

State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the sudden reduction had caught the community off guard, prompting a wave of complaints from residents.

Mr Anderson said people across the region had woken to find speed zones on their local roads suddenly and unexpectedly reduced.

“These changes were made without notice, without consultation, and the community members who have contacted me are telling me they are completely unnecessary,” he said.

“I’ve urgently contacted the Roads Minister to ask the government to explain why these changes have been made, why no one was consulted, and asked for the decision to be urgently reviewed.”

Liverpool Plains Shire Council has also voiced strong opposition, calling on the NSW government to immediately reconsider the decision.

Mayor Ken Cudmore said council was only advised of the changes on March 18 — a day after the new speed signs had already been installed.

“Council was given effectively no notice of these changes and no opportunity to provide local knowledge or input into the decision or advocate for consideration of alternative safety measures,” Cr Cudmore said.

“These are significant roads that support freight, agriculture, emergency services and daily community movement, and decisions of this magnitude should not be made without proper engagement with the people and communities who are impacted by them.”

Cr Cudmore highlighted the importance of Coonabarabran Road as a major east–west connector, carrying about 800 vehicles each day, including a large number of heavy vehicles servicing the region’s agricultural sector.

“The Liverpool Plains is a food and fibre powerhouse and the strategic importance of Coonabarabran Road in particular to our community and economy cannot be overstated,” he said.

“While we acknowledge the importance of improving road safety outcomes, blanket speed limit reductions implemented without consultation are not a substitute for targeted infrastructure investment.

“We need a balanced, evidence-based approach from the NSW government that includes much-needed infrastructure upgrades such as shoulder widening, pavement improvements and resilience works, not just reduced speed limits.

“We have requested the Minister review this decision and consider whole-of-route safety upgrades, rather than an isolated speed limit reduction.”

Council is now encouraging residents to provide direct feedback to the NSW government through its Towards Zero road safety platform, as pressure mounts for the decision to be reconsidered.