A number of rural roads within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale have been approved by Main Roads WA to have a consistent non-signposted default speed.
In 2023, the speed limit audit and review occurred to ensure the road safety of drivers, but the Shire received feedback during the audit about driver non-compliance with the speed limits.
Following this feedback, in March this year Main Roads was requested by the Shire to review the rural speed limits and make them consistent speeds, especially on roads narrower than 5.5 meters.
Shire president Rob Coales said the support from Main Roads in the Shire’s request was welcome.
“This outcome is a good one for our residents, however we really must emphasise that care should be taken at all times when driving on these smaller roads within our Shire,” he said.
“Road safety is up to everyone – every driver who gets into their car to make a trip has a responsibly to make every journey safe.
“It’s easy to be focused on getting somewhere quickly but the focus needs to be shifted to getting there safely.”
The change in speed limits on the rural roads was pushed for to encourage caution and driver responsibility as WA’s road toll has climbed to the highest it has been in 10 years.
The announcement followed the Shire’s 2025-26 budget which had a focus on road safety, with installation of signs on rural roads in the Shire reminding drivers of the risks of using rural roads to be discussed with Main Roads in the coming months.
