RURAL, regional and remote Councils in NSW are unilaterally opposed to the Federal Government’s proposal for a blanketed 30 kilometre per hour reduction of default speed limits outside built-up areas, according to Country Mayors Association of NSW chairman, Rick Firman.

Submissions are currently being received and will inform a final Regulatory Impact Analysis about proposed changes to the Australian Road Rules.

“Fortunately, the State Governments set their road rules and the Federal Government’s recommendations are just that,” Cr Firman said.

“Speed kills and like the Australian Government, we acknowledge that. The desire to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads is something we all share.

“However, the proposal to reduce the ‘default’ speed limit from 100kph to as little as 70kph and the application of a lower speed limit for unsealed roads is beyond excessive and lacks genuine consideration for key concerns for those who actually drive the roads where default speed limits apply.

“Additionally, the data cited by the Government is broad and does not specifically refer to unposted or unsealed roads,” he said.

Another major cause of motoring deaths is driver fatigue.

The CMA board and members expect speed limits reduced by as much as has been proposed could increase incidents of driver fatigue because trip duration would be longer.

“Lowering default speed limits will obviously increase travel times, exacerbating the tyranny of distance issues that impact on those living in  smaller towns and villages, increasing their sense of isolation,” Cr Firman said.

“This undermines efforts to promote regional liveability and population growth. They’re talking about increasing the travel time to medical attention by 20-30 per cent.

“That could have critical, even life-threatening outcomes and impact quality of life, with rural residents likely to reconsider some medical appointments when facing such as increase to the travel time,” he said.

Road freight is another common area of concern.

Slower travel speeds will increase costs for producers and freight operators, reduce supply chain efficiency, and potentially raise prices for consumers.

The NSW Freight Data Hub shows freight productivity is directly linked to travel time reliability and road condition.

“The consequences of a significantly lower default speed limit would be renewed pressure on truck driver to drive for longer and a greater push for increased truck tonnage allowances, resulting in negative impacts on the road conditions,” Cr Firman said.

“Our CMA communities do not accept that the current standard of our roads is all we can expect or deserve. A lowering of the default speed limit would suggest that the Australian Government thinks otherwise.

“CMA members have advised the extent of the proposed speed reduction, absence of any consideration of the need for improved rural road infrastructure funding, risks undermining community confidence in the legitimacy of speed management proposals.

“There are concerns that policing resources would be over-burdened because few in remote areas would respect such as excessive speed reduction.

“ A one-size-fits-all approach to default speed limits for rural roads could be seen as so ridiculous by road users that Country Mayors anticipates low compliance expectations,” he said.

“Default speed limits generally apply to local roads, which are the responsibility of Local Government.  Councils are not in a financial position to meet the costs associated with implementation, therefore the Australian Government will need to inject significant resourcing for the implementation of the proposed speed limit reductions, for signage, education campaigns and more.

“Our CMA board and members are very disappointed, to be frank, at what appears to be an alarming disconnect between our Australian Government and the real-world experience of using our rural, remote and regional roads.

“Our board and members have made submissions opposing the lowering of default speed limits and we appreciate the opportunity to do so.  We trust these submissions will enlighten those behind this excessive and unrealistic proposal and encourage them to rethink it.

“CMA is encouraged, however, that in discussions with our NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, she has assured us that this is just one part of the process and the NSW Government will genuinely consult with Councils and communities before any change to NSW road rules are considered,” he said.