Speeding

Almost half of casualty crashes on our regions roads are caused by speeding. When you speed, your stopping distance increases, and you have less time to react to avoid a crash.

Lower speed limits in built up areas help reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries. Travelling at lower speeds improves a driver's ability to stop and avoid crashes, especially in areas of high pedestrian activity.

The urban default 50 km/h speed limit applies to all built up areas across NSW. Built up areas have buildings on the land next to the road, or have street lights along the road.

  • The 50 km/h default limit applies on all urban roads without a speed sign
  • Reduced speed limits at school zones, road works and other special areas still apply.

The NSW Police are the responsible agency for driving violations on our roads and can be contacted on 131 444. Instances of unsafe driving, breaches of law including speeding and hooning behaviour should be reported to the Central Hunter Police Command by calling 02 4934 0200.

40%
of casualty crashes are caused by speeding.
50Km
speed limit applies to all built up areas.
1km
every km per hour increases stopping distance.

High pedestrian activity areas have a 40km/h limit

There are two High Pedestrian Activity Areas in Maitland Local Government Area where the speed limit of 40km/h applies at all times.

Managing speed is a key component in managing pedestrian safety. Reduced speed limits creates a safer road environment for all road users, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and children. Research and scientific analysis show that a pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 40 km/h has twice the chance of surviving the collision than if the car was travelling 50 km/h. Travelling speeds higher than 40 km/h greatly increases the risk of injury and death to pedestrians.

The Levee Shared Zone

The Shared Zone at The Levee is a road space that is shared by both vehicles and pedestrians. The speed limit when travelling through the Shared Zone is 10 km/h and drivers must give way to pedestrians. You will also notice that there are no road lines, kerb or gutter in the Shared Zone.

A Shared Zone looks different. You will see different surface texture and entry/exit signage and road treatments alerting you to a change of driving conditions.