Darley Road residents’ safety concerns trigger traffic-calming report

Residents concerned about pedestrian safety on Darley Road will have an early assessment of traffic calming, new signage and a possible speed-limit reduction between Carrington Road and Avoca Street.

Randwick City Council requested the report after residents told North Ward councillors they had deep concerns about walking conditions along the road. The request covers the section between Carrington Road and Avoca Street.

Councillors noted that the issue was discussed by the Traffic Committee on 14 November 2023. That discussion included a recommendation for speed enforcement and possible measures to improve pedestrian safety near Market Street.

The new report must examine traffic-calming measures, signage and a reduction in the speed limit. Transport for NSW is identified as the state agency involved in approvals and discussions about residential speed-limit reductions.

No construction work, speed-limit change or other road alteration has been approved. Council has asked officers to prepare and present the report at the earliest opportunity, but has not set a report date.

The resolution also does not specify a preferred treatment, project scope, estimated cost or funding allocation. Any road changes would follow further council consideration and any required state approvals.

For people walking along Darley Road, the immediate outcome is a formal assessment of the safety concerns rather than a change to the road. The earlier Traffic Committee discussion identified the area near Market Street as a possible location for safety improvements, while the new request applies to Darley Road between Carrington Road and Avoca Street.

The investigation will provide options for council to consider, including measures to slow traffic, additional signs and a lower speed limit. It also gives traffic consultants, road-safety contractors and signage suppliers a possible future role, although no work has been commissioned.