Speed zoning
To ensure a safe environment for all road users, it is necessary to continuously review and modify speed zones.
We are responsible for speed zones on all roads across the state.
Requests for change in speed zones on local roads need to be submitted to the local government, who will assess the request and submit it to us if they agree with the change.
Speed zone changes from the last six months:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Indian Ocean Drive between Britt St and Illyarrie St will be corrected to 70 km/h.
Great Eastern Highway Bypass – South Guildford – City of Swan - Effective 14 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Great Eastern Highway Bypass at the intersection of Kalamunda Rd will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Great Eastern Highway Bypass – Hazelmere – City of Swan - Effective 12 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Great Eastern Highway Bypass at the intersection of Roe Hwy will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Roe Highway – Hazelmere – City of Swan - Effective 12 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Roe Highway at the intersection of Great Eastern Highway Bypass will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Roe Highway – Midvale – City of Swan - Effective 8 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Roe Highway at the intersection of Morrison Rd will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Great Eastern Highway Bypass – Hazelmere – City of Swan - Effective 8 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Great Eastern Highway Bypass at the intersection of Abernethy Rd will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Tonkin Highway – Champion Lakes – City of Gosnells - Effective 7 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Tonkin Highway at the intersection of Champion Dr will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Great Eastern Highway Bypass – Hazelmere – City of Swan - Effective 7 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Great Eastern Highway Bypass at the intersection of Stirling Cr will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Tonkin Highway – Martin – City of Gosnells - Effective 6 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Tonkin Highway at the intersection of Gosnells Rd will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Tonkin Highway – Champion Lakes – City of Armadale - Effective 6 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Tonkin Highway at the intersection of Ranford Rd will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Ranford Road – Champion Lakes – City of Armadale - Effective 6 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Ranford Road at the intersection of Tonkin Hwy will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Tonkin Highway – Martin – City of Gosnells - Effective 5 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Tonkin Highway at the intersection of Mills Rd and Mills Rd East will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Tonkin Highway – Hilbert – City of Armadale - Effective 5 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Tonkin Highway at the intersection of Rowley Rd will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Rowley Road – Hilbert – City of Armadale - Effective 5 August 2024:
The existing 80 km/h speed limit on Rowley Road at the intersection of Tonkin Hwy will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Orton Rd Oldbury – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale - Effective 22 July 2024:
The existing 90 km/hr speed limit on Orton Rd between Casuarina Rd and SLK3.00 will be corrected to 80 km/hr.
Waterwheel Road, BEDFORDALE, City of Armadale - Effective 17 July 2024:
The existing 70 km/h Speed limit on Waterwheel Road will be updated as 60 km/h from Albany Highway to Waterwheel Road North
Waterwheel Road North, BEDFORDALE, City of Armadale - Effective 17 July 2024:
The existing 70 km/h Speed limit on Waterwheel Road North will be updated as 50 km/h from Waterwheel Road to the intersection of Blissett Drive and Vellender Road
Karnup Rd Serpentine – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale - Effective 8 July 2024:
The existing 70 km/hr speed limit on Karnup Rd between South Western Hwy and Wellard St will be corrected to 60 km/hr.
Gaebler Road, Hammond Park - City of Cockburn - Effective 26 June 2024:
The existing 50 km/h Speed limit on Gaebler Road will be updated as:
- 40 km/h School Zone Extension from Murrumbidgee Drive to Timms Lane
- School Days 7:30am to 9:00am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Nicholson Rd Oakford – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale - Effective 24 June 2024:
The existing 110 km/hr speed limit on Nicholson Rd between Thomas Rd and Abernethy Rd will be corrected to 90 km/hr.
Abernethy Rd Oakford – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale - Effective 10 June 2024:
- The existing 110 km/hr speed limit on Abernethy Rd between Nicholson Rd and Kargotich Rd will be corrected to 90 km/hr.
- The existing 80 km/hr speed limit on Abernethy Rd between Kargotich Rd and Hopkinson Rd will be corrected to 70 km/hr.
Vincent St, Mount Lawley, City of Vincent - Effective 03 Jun 2024:
- Vincent St - The existing 60 km/h Speed limit on Vincent St between William St and Beaufort St will be reduced to 50 km/h.
Hopeland Rd Hopeland – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale - Effective 20 May 2024:
The existing 110 km/hr speed limit on Hopeland Rd between Henderson Rd and Lakes Rd will be corrected to 100 km/hr.
Wright Rd Mardella – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale - Effective 6 May 2024:
The existing 100 km/hr speed limit on Wright Rd between Summerfield Rd and SLK5.20 will be corrected to 80 km/hr.
Stirling Crescent HAZELMERE - City of Swan - Effective 15 April 2024:
Gossage Rd – Oldbury – Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale - Effective 1 March 2024:
- The existing 110 km/hr speed limit on Gossage Rd between King Rd and Kargotich Rd will be corrected to 80 km/hr.
- The existing 110 km/hr speed limit on Gossage Rd between Kargotich Rd and Hopkinson will be corrected to 70 km/hr.
Garden Park Drive Wanneroo - City of Wanneroo - Effective 6 March 2024
The existing 70 km/hr speed limit on Garden Park Drive between Caporn St and Dundebar Rd will be corrected to 60 km/hr.
The existing 110 km/hr speed limit on Lowlands Rd between Rapids Rd and Wright Rd will be corrected to 80 km/hr.
Main Roads' Speed Zoning Policy and Application Guidelines, published in May 2020, adopted the replacement of Speed Buffer Zones with “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs. This allows the lowering of speed limits by greater than 30 km/h using repeated sets of “Speed Limit Ahead” signs.
Key Messages
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Speed Buffer Zones have been removed in the latest version of Australian Standards and have been replaced with “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs.
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The “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs replace the need for Speed Buffer Zones and achieve the same outcome by warning road users to slow down prior to a reduced posted speed limit.
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In WA, there will be two sets of “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs prior to any speed limit reduction which is more than 30km/h.
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The use of “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs will bring Western Australia in line with the other states and territories across Australia.
When does it go live?
Since mid-2020, Main Roads has stopped implementing Speed Buffer Zones. Main Roads is not rolling out wholesale changes to existing Speed Buffer Zones, but is doing so gradually by working with the regions/local government when they seek review of, or changes to, speed limits. Some regional areas of WA are already utilising the “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs instead of “Speed Buffer Zone” signage.
What is changing?
Previously, a short 300-400 metre Intermediate Speed Zone (e.g. An 80 km/h zone, where the speed was being reduced from 100km/hr to 60km/hr) would be used as a Speed Buffer Zone prior to any speed limit reduction which was more than 30km/h . Since mid-2020, this Intermediate Speed Zone is no longer required, and two sets of “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs (e.g. 60 AHEAD) would be installed instead.
Where are the changes occurring?
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The changes will continue to gradually occur state wide.
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Some Speed Buffer Zones have already been replaced by “Speed Limit AHEAD” signage.
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The use of “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs is in harmonisation with other states and territories in Australia.
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The placement of “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs considers road conditions, and is typically at four to ten seconds of travel time from the change in speed limit.
What do I need to do differently?
When you see “Speed limit AHEAD” signs, you should prepare to reduce your speed to ensure you do not exceed the posted speed limit by the time you enter the new speed zone ahead.
Where will the speed limit be enforceable?
Speed limits are enforceable from the time a driver passes a speed limit sign, or from the time a driver enters a road which is subject to a default speed limit. The “Speed Limit AHEAD” signs are advisory signs pre warning drivers that a new speed limit is coming up ahead.
Speeding infringements
We set the speed limit on major roads and WA Police is responsible for enforcing these laws.
If you wish to dispute your speeding infringement, contact WA Police.
To find out the speed limit on a metropolitan road, send us a copy of your infringement and we’ll have a look into it. If the infringement occurred on a regional road, contact our nearest regional office.
Be roadwork aware - slow down and take care
You can bet you will encounter roadworks and mobile traffic management on your travels - from speed and lane restrictions and possibly a modified road layout.
There are many safety hazards to both road users and construction workers within roadwork zones. It is important to follow the rules and be courteous, even when workers are not on-site as the unsealed or uneven road surface can be dangerous.
Always follow the signs – even if workers are not on-site, avoid ‘rubbernecking’ while driving and only overtake if it is safe.
We want everyone to get home safely to their families.
Video courtesy of the Traffic Management Association of Australia.