Australian Country Roads Set for Dramatic Speed Limit Shake-Up: Lives Could Be Saved with Shocking New Proposal
- Default 100km/h limit on unsignposted country roads may be slashed to reduce road fatalities
- Drivers 11 times more likely to die on regional or remote roads than in major cities
- Older vehicles, poor road conditions, and cost-of-living pressures contributing to deadly toll
In a move that could save countless lives, the Australian government is weighing up a drastic reduction in speed limits on country roads. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is considering slashing the default 100km/h limit on unsignposted roads, which has been in place for years.
The alarming statistics speak for themselves: drivers are a staggering 11 times more likely to be killed on regional or remote roads compared to those in major cities. And it’s not hard to see why – unsealed roads can be treacherous, with loose gravel or dirt surfaces, while even sealed roads may be in a state of disrepair.
The current speed limit of 100km/h applies to all roads outside of built-up areas without signposts, regardless of their condition. But with cost-of-living pressures forcing households to hold onto their older cars for longer, the risk of accidents is skyrocketing. In fact, Australia’s average vehicle fleet age has increased from 10.6 years in 2021 to 11.4 in 2024, making the need for change all the more urgent.
The Department of Infrastructure has remained tight-lipped about the exact changes being considered, but it’s believed a tiered system may be introduced, with a lower default speed limit for sealed country roads and an even lower limit for unsealed roads. The community has until October 27, 2025, to have its say, with submissions invited from drivers and stakeholders.
Will this drastic proposal be enough to stem the tide of road fatalities on Australia’s country roads? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – it’s a crucial step in the right direction.