Western Australia is continuing to implement speed limit reductions across both metropolitan and regional areas in response to rising road safety concerns.
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New Speed Limits in Jindalee and Butler
As of May 2025, the City of Wanneroo has successfully reduced the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h along two key suburban roads:
- Jindalee Boulevard (Jindalee)
- Kingsbridge Boulevard (Butler)
The decision followed a community-led request and a comprehensive traffic assessment. These changes aim to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.
Similar reductions have recently been implemented in Gnangara, Jandabup, Yanchep, and the Wanneroo Town Centre, as part of the City’s Road Safety Management Plan 2024–2030.
Proposed South West Speed Reductions
A broader Safer Speeds Trial, proposed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the City of Busselton in partnership with the RAC, could see speed limits reduced on over 1,800 roads across the South West.
Key proposed changes include:
- Sealed rural roads west of Bussell Highway: reduced from 80–110km/h to 70–80km/h
- Urban major roads (e.g. Bussell Highway, Bayview Drive): reduced from 60–70km/h to 50–60km/h
- Peri-urban residential roads (e.g. Quedjinup, Margaret River–Prevelly): reduced to 60km/h
- Town centres and residential streets (e.g. Augusta, Busselton): reduced to 40km/h
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The proposal comes in response to road trauma data from 2019–2023, which recorded 136 deaths or serious injuries in Busselton and 59 in Augusta Margaret River.
Statewide Safety Programs
WA remains the only state with a default 110km/h speed limit, while more than 60% of road fatalities occur in regional areas. Since 2020, the government has invested over $1 billion through the Regional Road Safety Program, upgrading 10,000km of state roads.
Additional initiatives include:
- A proposed $552 million High Speed Local Country Roads Program (RAC and WALGA)
- A $276 million funding pledge from the WA Nationals
- A current $20 million allocation by the WA Labor Government
- A $1.38 billion road funding agreement signed in 2023 with WALGA
Enforcement and Next Steps
Main Roads WA has supported the Safer Speeds Trial, with funding requests now being reviewed by the Road Safety Council. The WA Government is conducting a wider review of default speed limits across the state.
Authorities stress that any changes must be:
- Practical
- Enforceable
- Backed by evidence
The government also acknowledged enforcement challenges on remote roads with low traffic volumes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official updates, refer to your local council or Main Roads WA.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
