Changes to speed limits in Waverley

We’re working with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to improve safety for pedestrians and road users within areas of Waverley Local Government Area (LGA).To achieve ‘vision zero’, with zero fatalities and minimal serious injuries, TfNSW are looking to reduce speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h.

The project will be completed in stages. Stage 1 stretches from Bondi Road and Syd Einfeld Drive to the southern boundary of the LGA. However, Carrington Road, Council Street and Bondi Road are state roads so are not included in the proposed speed zone change.

This project involves installing traffic calming treatments, painting new line marking and installing new TfNSW approved 40km signage.

After a community consultation stage, Council endorsed recommended treatments and line marking to proceed to detailed design and then approval for construction. Construction works on traffic calming treatments were carried out in 2021 and 2022.

In November 2021, we installed the first three traffic calming treatments on Bennett Street and Park Parade, Bondi and Ruthven Street, Bondi Junction. The treatments at Park Parade and Bennett Street are on trial for a period of 12 months.

From February 2022, we installed the remaining 33 treatments across the Waverley (LGA). Please access our maps for treatment locations and line marking locations.

The broader project to change the speed limit is proudly funded by the NSW Government and will be coordinated with TfNSW once all treatments are installed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is Waverley proposing going 40km?

In various community consultations, Waverley residents raised concerns around pedestrian safety and the overwhelming need for cars to travel slower in their neighbourhoods.

It also will help achieve ‘vision zero’, with zero fatalities and minimal serious injuries and reflects our People, Movement and Places (2017) policy which aims to make it easier for everyone to travel by improving the quality of streetscapes and public places.

The People, Movement and Places policy, endorsed by Council has 12 signature projects. #1 - Better Streetscapes included a short term action to - reduce road speeds throughout the LGA.

Which roads would be 40km?

The project has been broken up into stages. Stage 1 spans from Bondi Road and Syd Einfeld Drive to the southern boundary of the Local Government Area (LGA). However, Carrington Road, Council Street or Bondi Road are state roads so are not included in the proposed speed zone change.

When will this happen?

Depending on results and feedback from community awareness campaign review and Council's and Transport for NSW approval, indicative timeframes are:

Indicative datesActivities
Nov 2019 – Jan 2020         Community awareness campaign - please check the 'Full list of traffic calming treatments and locations'
Nov 2021 – June 2022           Installation of traffic calming devices. To see a map of traffic calming treatments, visit Have Your Say.
TBC Enforcement of 40km on all roads except Carrington Rd, Council St and Bondi Rd.

Lower speed limits is just revenue raising.

Council do not enforce speed limits or earn any revenue from any NSW Police enforcement of the road rules. Waverley has a lot of High Pedestrian Activity, this change will be a massive benefit to pedestrians, cyclists and the broader community's safety.

What evidence do you have reducing speeds works?

The introduction of a 50km/h default urban speed limit within Australia resulted in a 23% reduction in casualty crashes, with public support for speed changes increasing significantly after the introduction of the lower speed limit. The widespread introduction of 40km/h school zones resulted in a further 24% reduction in pedestrian and bicycle crashes surrounding school areas.

I’m a good driver, why should I be punished?

Even good drivers make mistakes and many crashes involve two or more parties.

By slowing everyone down just a little, this may mean you are able to avoid a driver who isn’t paying attention to the road or a child that hasn’t looked before running out onto the streets.

Lower speed limits just annoy drivers, causes road rage and will make our streets move slower.

There is no evidence of increased road rage incidents in areas designated by either 40 km/h or 50 km/h speed limits. Delays to drivers are generally caused at intersections, from congestion and from finding a car park. We always recommend to residents who are concerned with this to try the difference before the 40 km/h speed limit is brought in and see the change in driving time.

What are ‘traffic calming treatments’?

Traffic calming treatments or devices assist in creating a self-enforced 40km/h speed environment. Example: road hump, pedestrian crossing, refuge island, medium strip. Please see 'Full list of traffic calming treatments and locations'  for more information.

Which roads would not be included and why?

Bondi Rd, Carrington Rd and Council St are all State Government roads under review in other projects through Transport for NSW.

You say high pedestrian areas – where exactly are these?

These are areas of high pedestrian activity, near shopping strips, railway stations, bus interchanges, beach-sides and services such as medical centres.

What is the stopping distance at 50kmh and 40kmh?

At 50km/h it is 35m. At 40km/h it is 26m.

What is an arterial road?

State road – managed by Transport NSW. These are Carrington Rd, Bondi Rd and Council St.

Will parking be affected?

Where we could, the proposed designs reduced parking loss. Throughout the entire project (38 traffic calming treatments), we anticipate only losing three spots on the corner of Queens Park Rd and Bourke Rd.

Can I have a say on this?

Visit Council's have your say page to comment on the specific treatment that may be on your street. For more information visit haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au.

This project received funding from the NSW Government.