Liberal Candidate Pledges to Reverse 30 km/h Speed Limits in Newcastle

Liberal candidate for Lord Mayor, Callum Pull, has committed to scrapping the controversial 30 km/h speed zones in Darby Street and Honeysuckle if elected. Cr Pull plans to meet with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads to restore the original speed limits.

Introduced in 2020 as part of a government-funded trial, the 30 km/h zones were intended to enhance pedestrian safety and support vibrant street environments. However, the changes have drawn backlash from some motorists and local residents who argue that the slower speeds are impractical and have done little to improve safety.

“Thirty kilometres per hour is simply too slow,” said Cr Pull. “It’s frustrating for motorists, and many see it as a revenue-raising tactic through fines.”

Cr Pull highlighted that the speed limits are even lower than those in school zones, which are generally set at 40 km/h. “We’ve listened to the community, and they’ve told us these zones make driving unnecessarily difficult.”

The candidate also pointed out that other regions, such as Liverpool, have successfully lobbied to raise similar limits from 30 km/h to 40 km/h. “Once again, Newcastle has been used as a testing ground for experimental policies, and it’s time we brought back a sensible approach to road safety,” he said.

A Cooks Hill resident contacted Newy 87.8 following the publication of this article, she said “I don’t care about Wharf Road, but Darby Street is too busy and is full of drunk people, I think it should stay”.

2024 Local Government Elections – City of Newcastle Council Mayoral Candidates