Safer Speeds Trial

We are proposing to test a new approach to reducing speed limits across the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and City of Busselton. We are seeking feedback to help understand if there is community support for a reduction in speed limits through the Safer Speeds Trial.

What is the Safer Speeds Trial?

The Safer Speeds Trial aims to assess the impact of reducing speed limits on roads managed by local governments, specifically within parts of the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

The Trial will use a holistic, area-wide approach, which means there will be a consistent reduction of speed limits across similar road types in selected areas between Busselton and Augusta. Approximately 550 roads in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and 1,250 roads in the City of Busselton will be affected.

The Trial would be the first of its kind in WA and is a partnership between the City of Busselton, Shire of Augusta Margaret River and RAC with implementation support from Main Roads WA.

What is the current approach to reducing speed limits?

In most local governments across Western Australia, speed limits are changed on a case-by-case basis, when a submission is made by a local government to Main Roads WA.

What will the Safer Speeds Trial measure?

• The extent lower speed limits assist in preventing people dying or experiencing life changing injuries on our roads
• Whether using an area-wide approach to changing speed limits is more impactful than the current case-by-case approach
• Whether more consistent speed limits will reduce confusion and frustration to road users
• How lower speeds through town centres and residential areas impact people who walk, ride, scoot and drive

How will the Trial be implemented?

The Trial is proposed to start in early 2025, with new speed limit signs being installed throughout the Trial area over approximately 6 months. The Trial will be in place for 3 years.

Comprehensive evaluations will take place 12 months after the Trial commences and then after 3 years.

The results will determine the Trial’s success and whether the proposed speeds should be retained, returned to their previous speed or a combination of both.

What are the proposed speed reductions?

High speed rural roads

Sealed roads west of Bussell Highway with existing speed limits between 80km/h and 110km/h, from Wonnerup to Cape Leeuwin. High speed roads can be narrow and winding, with crests, blind bends and trees close to the roadside.

• Current speed limit: Between 80km/h and 110km/h
• Proposed speed limit: 70km/h for most of these roads. Note: 80km/h speed limits have been proposed for parts of Wallcliffe Road and Commonage Road as they have additional safety features such as audible edge lines, sealed shoulders and set back vegetation.

Urban major roads

Major roads entering or travelling through built-up areas, such as Bussell Highway through Busselton and Bayview Drive entering Gracetown.

• Current speed limit: 60km/h and 70km/h
• Proposed speed limit: 50km/h and 60km/h

Residential roads on the outskirts of town

Roads through ‘peri-urban places’ that don’t meet the definition of built-up areas, including Quedjinup and the area between Margaret River and Prevelly.

• Current speed limit: 70km/h or default 110km/h
• Proposed speed limit: 60km/h

Residential streets and town centres

Locations with high pedestrian activity, such as Busselton and Augusta town centres, and residential streets across all townships in the region.

• Current speed limit: 40km/h and 50km/h
• Proposed speed limit: 40km/h

Which roads will be impacted?

To view the roads impacted by this Trial and the reasons they’ve been selected, you can view the interactive map by visiting www.saferspeedstrial.com.au

How can you find out more Information?

For more information refer to the FAQs tab or visit www.saferspeedstrial.com.au