Drivers travelling between Harwood Bridge and Palmers Island will now need to ease off the accelerator, as the speed limit on this section of Yamba Road has officially been reduced from 90 km/h to 80 km/h. This change follows a previous reduction between Maclean and Harwood Bridge from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. What was once a consistent 100 km/h route from Maclean to Yamba has now been reduced in stages.
While road safety is presumed to be the motive, the implementation and timing of this change have raised significant concerns within the local community.
Clarence Valley Community Information has contacted both Clarence Valley Council and Transport for NSW, requesting further information, including recent accident statistics, details of any community consultation, and a clear explanation of the decision-making process. So far, only crash data up to 2023 has been made publicly available. There is also no record of formal public consultation regarding the change.
The available data shows that most crashes along this route involved speeding, drug or alcohol use, and vehicles pulling out from side streets. These are serious concerns, but they may not be directly linked to the previous speed limits.
Adding further concern, it has been reported that mobile speed cameras were in place on the very first day the new 80 km/h limit was introduced. While enforcement is a vital part of road safety, many locals feel that immediate enforcement does not give drivers adequate time to adjust to the new speed limit. The timing has raised ethical concerns about fairness and transparency.
Lowering speed limits can help reduce the severity of crashes and give drivers more time to react, particularly in areas with side roads and intersections. Studies consistently show that even small reductions in speed can significantly lower the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. However, unless the root causes of accidents, such as impaired driving, speeding, and failure to give way, are addressed through targeted enforcement and driver education, speed limit changes alone may not achieve the desired safety outcomes.
For now, the new speed limits are in place and must be followed. However, the lack of clear communication and the presence of cameras on day one have left many residents frustrated and questioning the process.
We will continue to follow up with authorities and share any updates. In the meantime, we invite the community to share their thoughts. Has this change improved safety, or has it caused more confusion than benefit?