Three speed zones on Tathra Road between Bega and Jellat will be reduced from next week with Transport for NSW citing crash data over the past five years.
From Monday June 17, the speed limit on Tathra Road between Bega and Kalaru will not top 80 km/h with the limit to drop from 100 km/h to 80 km/h for a combined 3.6 kilometre length of Tathra Road.
The speed limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h for a two kilometre stretch from 150 metres south of Boundary Road to 150 metres south of Warragaburra Road, and for a 1.6 kilometre stretch from 70 metres west of Darcy Lane to 240 metres west of Henry Taylor Road.
“The review of this speed zone was initiated in response to a request from the community to improve the safety of road users,” the spokesperson said.
“Validated crash data for a five-year period from 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2022 captured three crashes resulting in six casualties.
“The reduced limit will provide consistency in speed zones along Tathra Road in an area where motorists often interact with farming vehicles.”
The spokesperson said the existing 60 km/h speed limit through Bega on Tathra Road will be extended for 440 metres eastbound to just south of the intersection with Boundary Road.
“The review found an extension of the 60 km/h speed limit is appropriate for the roadside environment which includes intersections and a growing residential area,” the spokesperson said.
“Speeding is the biggest contributor to road trauma in NSW so it’s important that motorists are aware of the changed speed limit and follow the road rules.
“In NSW, speeding contributes to 41 per cent of road fatalities and 24 per cent of serious injuries from road crashes each year.
“Speeding increases both the risk of a crash happening, as well as the likelihood of death or serious injury.
“Going just 5 km/h over the speed limit in a 60 km/h zone, on average, doubles your crash risk.”
Message boards are onsite at Tathra Road to notify motorists of the changed speed limit.
Images: Transport for NSW, ARN Bega Bay
