> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.carexplore.com.au/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # WA's Bold Plan To Cut Speed Limits - URL: https://www.carexplore.com.au/was-bold-plan-to-cut-speed-limits/ - Published: 2025-05-24T01:49:02.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-24T01:49:02.000Z - Description: WA plans major speed limit reductions on over 1800 roads in the South West as part of a safety trial to curb the state’s rising road toll. - Author: Dylan Anderson - Tags: Car News, Western Australia [Western Australia](https://www.carexplore.com.au/tag/western-australia/) is considering a landmark speed limit trial that could see limits reduced on over **1,800 roads** across the South West. The **Safer Speeds Trial**, developed by the **Shire of Augusta Margaret River** and the **City of Busselton**, in partnership with the **RAC**, is designed to assess whether lower speed limits can help reduce the state’s increasing road toll. [WA Rolls Out New Speed CamerasWA rolls out AI-powered cameras from Jan 26 to detect drivers using phones or not wearing seatbelts, with fines starting in April 2025.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2388.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/WA-New-Speed-Cameras-AI-2.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/wa-rolls-out-new-speed-cameras/) ## Key Speed Reduction Proposals If approved, the trial will cover around **550 roads in Augusta Margaret River** and **1,250 roads in Busselton**. Implementation could begin as early as mid-2025\. Proposed changes include: - **Rural sealed roads** (currently 80–110km/h): reduced to **70–80km/h** - **Urban major roads** (e.g. Bussell Highway, Bayview Drive): reduced to **50–60km/h** - **Residential roads in peri-urban areas** (e.g. Quedjinup, Margaret River–Prevelly): reduced to **60km/h** - **Town centres and residential streets**: reduced to **40km/h** where currently signed at 40–50km/h ## Why It's Being Considered Between 2019 and 2023, **136 people** were killed or seriously injured on roads in Busselton, and **59 in Augusta Margaret River**. Proponents argue that slower speeds could help reduce both the frequency and severity of crashes. Public submissions on the trial closed in November 2024, and local councils are expected to vote later this year. ## Ongoing Road Safety Efforts in WA WA is the **only Australian state** with a default **110km/h** speed limit. Regional areas, where enforcement can be difficult, account for more than **60% of WA’s road fatalities**. Since 2020, the WA Government has invested over **$1 billion** through the **Regional Road Safety Program**, upgrading **10,000km of roads**. Additional initiatives include: - A **$552 million** proposal from the RAC and WALGA to upgrade **8,200km of country roads** - A **$276 million** commitment from the WA Nationals if elected - A current **$20 million** allocation from the WA Labor Government to expand its safety program - A **$1.38 billion** funding agreement between the WA Government and WALGA signed in 2023 [WA’s Major Road Changes ComingMajor road changes planned for Fremantle ahead of the 2026 Traffic Bridge closure to reduce congestion and improve transport flow.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2389.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/WA-Road-Closures-5.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/was-major-road-changes-coming/) ## New Safety Cameras Now Active WA has also deployed **multi-offence safety cameras** that detect speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences. These cameras are now live, with warnings currently being issued before enforcement begins. ## Government Stance While the WA Government supports the speed trial in principle and **Main Roads WA** has given preliminary backing, officials stress that any changes must be: - **Practical** - **Enforceable** - **Supported by evidence** Enforcement challenges in remote areas and roads with minimal traffic are also being considered. The **Road Safety Council** will review funding applications once the trial is approved, and a broader review of default speed limits is ongoing. **Disclaimer:** *This article is for informational purposes only. For the latest updates, visit your local council or state government websites.* --- [WA Drivers Bold Move to Block Speed CameraA WA driver is under investigation for allegedly blocking a speed camera in Albany. Learn what the law says about obstructing speed cameras and police.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2390.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/WA-Driver-Blocks-Speed-Cameras-6.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/wa-drivers-bold-move-to-block-speed-camera/) [WA’s New Smart Freeway Now LivePerth’s new Smart Freeway goes live on December 22, using real-time data to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2391.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/Smart-Freeway-WA-2.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/was-new-smart-freeway-now-live/)