The speed limit on Barrenjoey Road between Newport and Palm Beach is marked to be reduced from 60 to 50 kilometres per hour starting as soon as this Thursday 7 August.
While indicating some initial support for the changes, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby has confirmed she is seeking a hold on the changes to give time for stakeholders, including herself, to properly consider it. Ms Scruby says she is chiefly concerned over the Newport Hill becoming a speed trap.
The Newport Road Safety Review, requested by the former member for Pittwater Rory Amon, 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 says it 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.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said that the reduction in speed was a response to both data and community concern, but later added that she had asked the Minister for Roads for a hold on the decision to give her time 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,” she said in an updated statement on the weekend.
“The gloves are on, but realistically we’re the underdog. Rory Amon 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 will post on social media in detail my reasoning around why the decision was made, why getting a reversal is very difficult and what grounds I will use.”
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 Newport Chamber of Commerce,” Ms Scruby said in her original statement.
“This was not a NSW State Government initiative, nor a 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.”
In her original statement on the decision, Ms Scruby said the change aimed to put “People before pace, which reflects our community values.”
“This change will put people before pace, which reflects our community values”
Ms Scruby also noted benefits to local business. “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.”
The drop to 50km/hr from 60km/hr 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.” Ms Scruby said.
“Not everyone will welcome this decision, but it has clear evidence and the 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,” Ms Scruby said.
From 7 to 31 August, Transport for NSW will:
- Replace 60km/h signage and road markings with 50km/h signage between 845 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach and Beaconsfield Street, Newport
- Remove ‘End 50 Area’ signs from side streets within the affected zone
- Install additional 60km/h signage and markings southbound between Beaconsfield Street and The Avenue, Newport
The works will include one day shift for signage and up to two-night shifts for road markings, weather permitting. Work will take place between Thursday 7 August and Sunday 31 August 2025, weather permitting.
