Opinion piece by Lynne Strong

The recent decision by Transport for NSW to reduce the speed limit on Jamberoo Road to 60 km/h has sparked a mixed response in our community. Kiama MP Gareth Ward, responding to considerable feedback from concerned residents, has launched a petition to reinstate the 80 km/h speed limit, citing concerns that the reduction won’t improve safety and will result in fines for local commuters.

While Mr Ward’s concerns about the impact on residents are understandable, it is crucial to remember that decisions like these are made with community safety in mind. Politicians are often caught between responding to immediate feedback and making choices for the long-term good. The reduction in speed limits on Jamberoo Road should be seen not as an inconvenience but as an essential measure to saving lives.

Reducing speed limits is not a knee-jerk reaction; it’s backed by extensive research. Numerous studies have shown that lower speed limits directly lead to fewer accidents. According to the World Health Organization, a 5% reduction in average speed can result in a 30% decrease in fatal crashes. On roads where speed limits are reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, the number of accidents drops by 25–40%.

Jamberoo Road, like many rural roads, is frequently shared by cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. The lower speed limit gives drivers more time to react and significantly reduces the severity of accidents when they do occur. While Mr Ward is right that maintenance and roadworks are critical, lowering the speed limit is one of the most effective measures we can take to make this road safer for everyone.

The decision to reduce the speed limit along Jamberoo Road will add just 1 minute and 39 seconds to the average commute — a minor inconvenience when weighed against the potential life-saving benefits. Many of us have loved ones in this community, and none of us want them to become a statistic on our roads. If lowering the speed limit by a small margin helps protect them, then it’s a step worth taking.

It’s natural to be concerned about fines or small delays, the real question should be: What is the cost of doing nothing? The risk of serious accidents and fatalities far outweighs the extra minute added to the journey.

One area where Australia could certainly improve is in its signage reminding drivers of speed limits. 

While travelling in Spain, I noticed impressive signage that serves as a constant reminder of the speed limits, helping to keep drivers aware of the road rules. It’s not just about reducing speeds but also about making sure motorists are consistently aware of their surroundings. This is definitely something that could be implemented more effectively in Australia to support safer driving habits.

Mr Ward’s call for additional road works and better overtaking options is certainly valid. These are important components of improving road safety, and they should work in tandem with speed reductions, not as an alternative. A holistic approach that includes infrastructure improvements, better signage, and lower speeds will create the safest possible environment for all road users.

However, focusing solely on issues like tourist and motorcyclist behaviour, as Mr Ward suggests, misses the broader point. Speed limits affect everyone, and slower speeds give all drivers more time to react, reducing the likelihood of fatal accidents.

At the heart of this debate is our shared goal: to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone. While it’s understandable that Mr Ward, like many politicians, may feel the pressure of public feedback, it’s important to remember that road safety is not about popularity—it’s about protecting lives.

No one enjoys receiving fines, but compliance with speed limits is a basic requirement of road safety. If the reduced speed limit saves even one life, isn’t it worth it? We should be prioritising the well-being of the community, not the potential inconvenience of a few extra minutes on the road.