Road Safety

Council’s Traffic Engineers  work to create and manage a safe and efficient road and transport network. Projects may increase safety for vulnerable road users by providing pedestrian crossings, refuges and traffic calming devices, as well as expanding 40km/hr zones in high pedestrian and local areas.

The purpose of the Local Traffic Committee (LTC) is to provide technical advice on traffic control matters (e.g. regulatory signage, line marking and traffic facilities) on local roads to Council. That advice must be taken into consideration before Council chooses to exercise its delegation to control traffic on local roads. Where Council proposes to exercise that delegation, a report is prepared and considered by the members of the LTC. The purpose of the Local Traffic Committee (LTC) is to provide technical advice on traffic control matters (e.g. regulatory signage, line marking and traffic facilities) on local roads to Council. That advice must be taken into consideration before Council chooses to exercise its delegation to control traffic on local roads. Where Council proposes to exercise that delegation, a report is prepared and considered by the members of the LTC. 

The LTC is a committee of Council and generally consists of:

• The Mayor (or his or her representative)
• The local State Member of Parliament (or his or her representative)
• A representative of the Police
• A representative of Transport for NSW
• A representative of public transport providers
• Council Officers

Since the process was originally adopted in June 2008, traffic facilities have been systematically added to the list following their adoption by the LTC and Council. The list currently has 50 projects prioritised for construction under the Major Traffic Facilities Program at a total cost of approximately $4,380,000. The Traffic Facilities Prioritisation list is reviewed annually to determine if any projects meet funding requirements under other funding streams, such as the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Safer Roads Program or National Black Spot Program. Subsequently, eligible projects have grant applications submitted.

*The costs strategic estimates only and will require a detailed design and cost analysis.

The provision of shared-use paths is supported by the NSW Government through its Transport for NSW (TfNSW) ‘Active Transport Program’, which aims to provide safe routes for walking and riding. Further details of the NSW Government’s ‘Walking and Cycling Program’ can be found by visiting https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/programs/walking-and-cycling-program

Funding applications are made to TfNSW under its ‘Active Transport Program’, which assists with annual funding for walking and bicycle infrastructure and programs. Proposed shared-use paths within 400m of schools, universities, shops, recreation areas, hospitals, and those within 5km to railway stations or bus interchanges are given additional weight in our applications for funding.

Penrith City Council has achieved substantial State funding ($10.9 million) for the design and construction of bicycle infrastructure. During this time, we have built 17km of shared-use path, including three bridges. An example is the recently constructed Yandhai Nepean Crossing accessible bridge ($47 million) over the Nepean River for use by pedestrians and bike riders only, which connects with existing and future pedestrian and bike links. These paths have been welcomed and are well used by the community.

The program for 2018-19 and 2019-20 included a shared-use path connecting Cranebrook at Andrews Road to Thornton, via Hickey’s Lane and Coombes Avenue, Penrith. State funding of $940,000 has recently been accepted by Penrith City Council to continue this project.

On 28 October 2020, the NSW Government announced $1.8 million will be allocated to Penrith City Council to deliver the first stage of a regional link between Penrith and the Blue Mountains. The Active Transport grant will allow Penrith Council deliver 1.2km of off-road shared path along the northern side of the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains from the corner of Brougham Street to the Knapsack Viaduct at Mitchells Pass in the Blue Mountains. The regional link between our LGA’s will improve walking, bike commuting and recreational cycling, connecting the communities of Penrith City Centre; The River Walk; Emu Plains and ultimately to the Glenbrook Town Centre in Blue Mountains.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has developed this database publicly available through the interactive CyclewayFinder. To view the map visit https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/bicycles/cycleway-finder.html

You can find a list of road rules for bicycle riders on the Transport for NSW website

Under the NSW Road Rules, motorbike riders and cyclists are required to wear a helmet. You can be issues with a fine if you are caught riding your motorbike bicycle without a helmet that is fully secured to your head. The Westmead Children's Hospital says that more than half of the children admitted to hospital suffered from head injuries because they were not wearing helmets. Helmets decrease bad head injuries in bike crashes by 85%. Accidents causing head injuries can occur on sidewalks, driveways, bike paths, and parks as well as on our streets. Wear a helmet on every ride, no matter how short the trip.

A guide to correctly fitting a helmet 

Safety on wheels 

Cyclists, drivers and pedestrians must all share the road. Under NSW Road Rules, drivers need to give bicycle riders at least 1 metre of space when passing. The ‘Go Together’ campaigns explain how the Minimum Passing Distance rule affects you, and how you can help ensure we all Go Together safely on our roads. https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/go-together/index.html

Motorcycle riders are more exposed and risk serious injuries if they are in a crash. Over the five-year period 2014 to 2018 (preliminary), 306 motorcyclists were killed and more than 12,100 hospitalised from injuries sustained in crashes on NSW roads. The NSW Centre for Road Safety works with motorcycle groups and our other partners, to develop ways to improve safety for motorcycle riders. https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/motorcyclists/index.html

The 40km/hr High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) Scheme was introduced by the NSW Government with a view to improving pedestrian safety by reducing vehicle speeds in areas of high pedestrian activity. The Scheme was intended for use in areas with high numbers of pedestrians, typically commercial areas and town centres. The 40km/hr High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) Scheme was introduced by the NSW Government with a view to improving pedestrian safety by reducing vehicle speeds in areas of high pedestrian activity. The Scheme was intended for use in areas with high numbers of pedestrians, typically commercial areas and town centres. 
Council has been successful for funding from Transport for NSW (formally RMS) for the introductions of several HPAA Schemes in:

• Penrith CBD
• Penrith CBD East
• Penrith CBD South 
• St Marys Town Centre

Road map

A local traffic area is an area of local streets that have a speed limit of 40 km/h. The lower speed limit means greater safety for all road users and more peace and quiet for people living in the area. Remember to look out for bicycle riders, pedestrians and children.

Nepean Avenue, Penrith

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) reviewed the existing speed limit on Nepean Avenue and surrounding roads including Ladbury Avenue, Captains Road, Fitch Avenue and Recreation Avenue, Penrith in line with the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines. The review recognised the area’s important role as part of the Great River Walk and in response to an increase in pedestrians and cyclists on these roads during the Coronavirus pandemic. Following its review, the new Speed Limit of 40km/h on Nepean Avenue, Penrith and Surrounding Roads was in effect from Monday, 10 August 2020.

Where there is no posted speed limit sign, default speed limits apply.Where there is no posted speed limit sign, default speed limits apply.
In NSW, there are two default speed limits; default urban speed limit for roads in built-up areas (that is, where there are buildings next to the road or where there is street lighting) and a default speed limit for all other roads.

• Default urban speed limit is 50 km/hr
• Default speed limit for all other roads is 100 km/hr

Speed limits are set by Transport for NSW (formerly RMS) in accordance with TfNSW guidelines. Further information regarding the road rules and speed limits can be found at Road Rules - Speed page

Council supports lower speed limits in built-up areas to help reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries. Travelling at lower speeds improves a driver's ability to stop and avoid crashes, especially in areas of high pedestrian activity. Where crashes do occur, they are less severe, especially for children and the elderly. Speeding is our biggest killer on NSW roads - https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/speeding/index.html

As part of Council’s road safety program, Variable Message Signs (VMS) with a radar are installed at weekly locations. These signs are used as community education devices to proactively increase driver awareness of local speed limits and to remind motorists to ‘Slow Down’ should they be exceeding the speed limit. To learn more about road safety, you are encouraged to view TfNSW’s Centre for Road Safety website via the following link https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/index.html

Transport for NSW has a web link that enables members of the general public to nominate a location for the installation of a speed camera. Once a site is nominated, the Centre for Road Safety will then review the request. You can nominate a street for the installation of a mobile speed camera via the following link: https://www.saferroadsnsw.com.au/haveyoursayspeedcameras.aspx

Traffic signals are under the care and control of TfNSW (formerly Roads and Maritime Services). This includes:

• Traffic signal phasing
• The pedestrian/cyclist lanterns

Requests or concerns about traffic signals and their operation should be submitted to TfNSW via https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/contact-us/feedback-form.html

Pedestrian fatal and serious injury crashes are more common in areas with higher pedestrian volumes, including higher risk metropolitan roads. A pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 50km/hr is twice as likely to die as one hit by a car travelling at 40km/hr. For more information about pedestrian safety visit the Centre for Road Safety via https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/pedestrians/index.html

Staying independent and safe. On the road 65Plus website has advice and safety tips for people in our community aged 65 or over to help make safer choices when driving, riding, walking, using a mobility scooter or catching public transport.

There are over eighty (80) schools in the Penrith Local Government Area. School Principals can suggest changes to parking restrictions around their schools by emailing Council via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Penrith City Council encourages schools and/or their P&C’s to actively promote road safety within their school community. Council acknowledges that schools and/or P&C’s are in the best position to represent the interests of parents/students and are able to consult with their school community (if needed) so that a consensus is established.

We prepared several educational flyers that can be provided by schools to their school community via their newsletter or email. The flyer provides parents/carers with young children with information to consider when parking near schools.

The flyers can be access below: 

• Keeping our kids safe around schools
• Common Parking Offences
• School Zone Safety Tips
• School Zone Offences 

Motorists within the school community may also benefit from reviewing ‘the top ten misunderstood Road Rules’ as provided by TfNSW.  The Road Rules on ‘U Turns’ may be of particular interest to school communities.

TfNSW in partnership with education sectors fund the Road Safety Education program. This supports the delivery of road safety education to students by classroom teachers, from early childhood to the end of schooling. It is part of the formal school curriculum and pre-service training for teachers. Schools can contact road safety education specialists in their sector for further information. Contact your road safety school education specialist

School zones are under the care and control of TfNSW (formerly Roads and Maritime Services). This includes:

• Installation of new school zones – new school, new direct access point
• Removal of school zones following closure of a school
• Installation of all 40km/hr School Zone signs, pavement markings and ‘dragon’s teeth’ markings
• Operating times of 40km/hr School Zones
• Installation and maintenance of 40km/hr School Zone flashing lights
• Installation and maintenance of all speed zone signs, including 40km/hr School Zone signs

Requests regarding school zones should be submitted to TfNSW

Should you need to fit or check a Child Restraint, you can search for an Authorised Restraint Fitting Station in the local area

Please note the cost of using these fitting stations must be covered by the user and is not covered by Council.

You are encouraged to view the NSW Centre for Road Safety website which provides useful and educational information relating to child restraints and National Child Restraint Laws.

Council is working with the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation to proactively raise road safety awareness of child pedestrian safety.

In 2020-21 Financial Year, Council will install the colourful road safety signs at Children Services Facilities including childcare centres, preschools and out of school care locations. Signage will also be installed at several playground and sports field car parks reminding motorists to ‘Slow Down. Kids Around’.

In conjunction with the sign, Council encourages the use of resources readily available at The Little Blue Dinosaur website and Kids and Traffic website (for Learning Centres) and Safety Town website (for Primary Schools) to initiate ‘Road Safety’ talks with children and families to support child pedestrian safety.

https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/services/health-safety/road-safety/st-marys-community-and-road-education-scheme

The most common injuries for child cyclists and riders of other wheeled devices often occur as a result of a fall and generally in off-road locations such as footpaths, home driveways, cycle ways and skate parks. A bicycle helmet is designed to offer the wearer protection and if worn correctly, decrease the risk of head injury by up to 85%.

For more information on the law and safety advice for bicycles, foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades download the flyers Safety on wheels and Kids on Wheels - kid Safe and NRMA 

The Safety Town website contains excellent resources for families, children, teachers and wider community that focuses on road safety for primary school aged children.

Get active to school program Being active is important for children and young people to grow healthy and to set good habits for life. According to the NSW School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (NSW Health):

• 15% of primary school students in NSW travel to school via active transport
• 14% of secondary school students in NSW travel to school via active transport

Penrith City Council supports the ‘Get Active to School’ program that builds on existing programs including the Road Safety Program, to improve pathways and connections between home and school.

Working with the school community, residents, and stakeholder’s, Council Officers investigate requests for new or upgraded pedestrian and bike facilities (such as wider footpaths, missing footpath links, shared use paths, crossings, and bus stop infrastructure). Requests are investigated and where warranted, the projects are listed for prioritised future funding.

Many schools have a Travel Policy that encourage active transport options (such as walking and riding) between home and school. Even walking part of the way can make a positive impact to improved health, environmental outcomes, and reduced traffic congestion at peak school times. Families may nominate to park their vehicle further away and walk part of the way; children may walk to the bus stop or train station utilising both public and active transport; both of which promotes increased daily physical activity for children.

Penrith Council welcomes opportunities to partner with the NSW Government and its agencies including Transport for NSW, Centre for Road Safety, NSW Health, the Department of Education and other stakeholders to improve safe walking, cycling and public transport access between home and schools.

The Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers Workshop was developed for parents and supervisors of learner drivers in recognition of their important role in supporting learner drivers. The workshops offer practical advice on how to help learner drivers become safer drivers, and cover topics such as: how to use the Learner Driver Log Book, planning driving sessions, how to deal with difficulties that may arise during driving practice and the importance of giving learners constructive feedback.

Free Workshop for Supervisors of Learner Drivers

In preparation of young adults obtaining their Learners licence, Penrith City Council in conjunction with Transport for NSW (formerly RMS) holds free workshops for Supervisors of Learner Drivers.

This workshop would benefit those who are supervising or planning to supervise a Learner Driver. Learner Drivers are also encouraged to attend with their supervising drivers.

The FREE workshop offers practical advice to Supervisors of Learner Drivers on how to help Learner Drivers become safer drivers.

Workshop 2
Date: Wednesday 26 February 2025
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams (Registration opening soon)

Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS)

Since the Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) was introduced in June 2000, in NSW young driver fatalities have reduced by around half. However, young drivers continue to be over-represented in casualty crashes in NSW. Despite making up only around 15 per cent of all licence holders, younger drivers represent almost a quarter of annual road fatalities.

NSW Government’s Driver Licensing Access Program

Some people face extra barriers when completing the licence process. If you or someone you know if having difficulty meeting the requirements of obtaining your learner or provisional driver’s license the Driver Licensing Access Program might be for you.

DLAP is available to:

• Aboriginal communities
• refugee and resettlement communities
• communities who have limited access to transport options or who are geographically disadvantaged
• vulnerable young people
• other people experiencing social and economic hardship.

Please contact the NSW Government’s Driver Licensing Access Program on 131 782 or visit TfNSW website for more information. https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/driver-licences/driver-licensing-access-program

This link explains the Graduated Licensing Scheme process, as well as some of the restrictions that apply to learner and P-plate drivers.

This course helps learner drivers identify risks on the roads. Speed management, hazard awareness and safe following distances are some of the strategies in the course’s theoretical and practical sessions, which earn learner drivers 20 hours of log-book credit.

Young people aged between 15 – 24 are disproportionally represented in road trauma. In the Penrith LGA and the western Sydney region, due to the geographic location our drivers often face high travel speeds when using motorways and on semi-rural roads. Residents need to travel longer distances between places (such as between home, work and study) and face increased issues.

Alarmingly road safety trauma is the number one killer of children aged 14 and under and the second highest killer of young people aged under 24 (ARSF, 2020). There are many excellent road safety advocacy groups that may be able to provide your School or family with additional resources and support.

Every 6 seconds someone is killed or seriously injured on the world’s roads. Every year, around 1200 people are killed on Australian roads. The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) is a not for profit organisation dedicated to reducing the impacts of road trauma and saving lives. https://arsf.com.au/

The Blue Datto Foundation is a registered not-for-profit dedicated to reducing the incidence and impact of road trauma in NSW. We aim to do this by providing support and education to empower young people, families and communities. 

YOU CHOOSE Youth Road Safety’s foundational motto, Own the Choice Own the Outcome. Presentations are designed for profound cut-through to teenagers; while School Leader and Scholarship programs uplift young people to protect their families and their communities through collective peer advocacy and personal accountability.

‘bstreetsmart’ is the inspiring initiative of the Trauma Service at Westmead Hospital. Westmead’s Trauma Service is constantly reminded through their hands on work that young people aged between 15 – 30 are disproportionally represented in road trauma. As a result they have a strong commitment to Road Safety Education.

https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/services/other-services/parking/parking-frequently-asked-questions.

Loading Zone Fact Sheet

Top 10 Misunderstood Road Rules

Kerbside Yellow Line = No Stopping

Parking Education Information Part 1

Parking Education Information Part 2

Safe and Legal Parking Posters - Heavy Vehicles

Safe and Legal Parking in our industrial and commercial areas

School Zone Offences

School Zone Safety

The Nepean Police Area Command (PAC) provides community-based Police services including traffic, road safety and enforcement. Penrith City Council and the Nepean Police Area Command have a long history working collaboratively on various community initiatives including:

• Local Traffic Committee
• Youth Liaison Officers
• School Liaison Police
• Specialist Youth Officers

The Police can conduct patrols and issue fines for parking and driver related offences. For further information click here

Nepean Police Area Command - call (02) 4721 9444

Alternatively, you can report illegal parking and driving related offences to: Police Assistance Line – call 131 444

If you are a victim of a crime, other than life threatening or time critical emergency situations, you should contact the NSW Police Assistance Line (PAL).  

When a Police response is required, PAL will arrange for Police officers to attend. PAL can also assist you with general Police inquiries.  By phoning PAL, rather than your local Police station, you are freeing up police officers who could otherwise be on the street actively preventing and investigating crime in your community.

Crime Stoppers – call 1800 333 000

Crime Stoppers operates 24hrs a day, 7 days a week and allows members of the community to anonymously report criminal or suspicious behaviour or activity. The information you provide maybe the vital missing piece the police need to make an arrest.