The New South Wales Government has implemented changes to roadworks speed limits designed to remove the frustrations of lower limits in citations where no active work is taking place. Initially pitched as part of the NSW Labor Party’s 2023 election campaign, the change has been given parliamentary approval and is now in effect.

Updates to the Traffic Control at Work Sites (TCAWS) Standard outline new requirements, applied throughout NSW, that will see work zone speed limits increased in some situations.

The changes mean that in construction zones where no work is taking place, and there is no danger to motorists or pedestrians caused by the changes to the location, the reduced works zone speed limit must be removed.

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A statement released by NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “The Minns Labor Government has delivered on our commitment to remove unnecessary road work speed limits outside of construction hours, helping keep traffic moving, while maintaining safety.

“Motorists across NSW deserve to spend less time stuck in unnecessary traffic … which is why we have made this important change.

“Protecting construction workers and motorists around worksites is critical. We are not changing or weakening any rules around safety.

No changes have been made to the policing of road works speed limits, meaning that temporary reductions are enforceable and that all roadworks speed signs must be obeyed, with drivers facing penalties for exceeding the posted speed limit.

Reduced speed limits around work zones may be left active in situations where workers are present but not visible, or where conditions have changed, including narrowed lanes, changes in traffic flow or direction, where temporary control signals are operating, or on roads with loose or changing surfaces.

The new road works speed limit adjustment came into effect on July 1st, 2026.