Drop from 40km/hr to 30km/hr in some streets
Pittwater drivers will be forced to slow down after council endorsed reduced speed limits and other safety measures on local roads.
In an at times heated discussion on 15 April, council voted unanimously for the changes as part of its Safer Neighbourhoods Program, subject to approval by the traffic committee in May.
Other measures include new pedestrian crossings, speed bumps and roundabouts, upgraded lighting, chicanes and angled parking. The program aims to reduce the number and severity of motor vehicle accidents while creating a safer environment for vulnerable road users.
The current 50km/hr speed limit in sections between Narrabeen and Mona Vale, including Ocean Street, will be reduced to 40km/hr. The council reported that most of the 508 submissions supported the changes.
A drop from 40km/hr to 30km/hr will be enforced in some sections of the Avalon to Palm Beach route east of and not including Barrenjoey Road. It includes Whale Beach Road and Palm Beach Road. A 10km zone will be established in high pedestrian beachfront car parking areas.
There were 372 submissions on these changes, with ‘mixed support,’ council said.
Mayor Sue Heins said community safety, especially on local roads, was a major priority for council.
“Council is always looking for ways to improve community safety. A key component of the program is the reduction in the speed limit,” Mayor Heins said in a press release.
“Research shows that when people drive at safer speeds, there is a significant decrease in the likelihood and severity of crashes and injuries. Safer speeds would make our streets friendlier for people living in and visiting the area, with less noise and fewer emissions.
“It would also improve transport options by making it easier and safer to walk and ride a bike in the local neighbourhood to local destinations,” Mayor Heins added.
Amendments added at the meeting included a request that the traffic committee review the measures in each area that caused the most objections, such as the number of traffic calming measures, the need for chicanes in quiet backstreets and the loss of parking spaces.
The program also aims to minimise rat-running and directs traffic to main roads like Pittwater Road.
Construction may commence in June 2025, subject to approval, with the aim of having the project implemented before December.