WA’s Speed Limit Slash Sparks Outrage

by Dylan Anderson

•

Founder @ CarExplore

•

February 26, 2025

•

3 min read

Western Australia’s regional roads are about to slow down. A massive trial cutting speed limits on hundreds of roads has ignited a fiery debate: safety fix or government overreach? Here’s what’s stirring the pot.

The Plan: Slower Roads Ahead

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River greenlit a three-year trial slashing speeds on 550 regional roads. It’s a bid to curb rising road deaths. Speed zones will drop:

80-110km/h zones to 70-80km/h
70-100km/h zones to 60km/h
Urban and town centers by 10km/h

If the City of Busselton signs off next month, over 1800 roads could join the slowdown starting in 2025.

Safety Gains vs. Time Lost

Officials predict a 30% drop in deaths and serious crashes in high-speed areas. But drivers aren’t thrilled about longer trips. The Shire’s study of 16 key routes shows an average delay of 62 seconds. Most trips stretch by under two minutes. Shire President Julia Meldrum insists, “A slight delay is nothing compared to saving lives. Safer roads matter more.”

Backers Cheer, Stats Scream

The RAC, WA Police, and safety experts are all in. Terry Durant from RAC says, “Speed fuels road trauma. This trial can save lives.” The urgency is real: WA’s 2024 road toll hit 173 deaths, the worst since 2016. That number demands action.

Drivers Push Back Hard

Not everyone’s sold. Critics see trouble brewing:

Congestion: Slower speeds might clog roads and tempt risky moves.
Economic Hit: Delays could slam farming and freight.
Compliance Doubts: Will drivers obey without heavy policing?

Social media’s buzzing. One post gripes, “This is a sneaky cash grab.” Another fires back, “Lives trump speed. Deal with it.”

Next Steps: Education and Results

A big awareness campaign will roll out with the trial, explaining why speeds are dropping. If it works, WA could see lower limits statewide. Success rides on drivers buying in and crash stats falling.

Bold Move or Big Mistake?

With road deaths at a decade high, this trial is a gamble. It’s splitting opinions and testing patience. Lives might be saved, but tempers are flaring. The clock’s ticking to see if it pays off.