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Council’s traffic team has worked with local police to improve safety on Byangum Road, a main thoroughfare in Murwillumbah.
This follows reports from local residents and a significant increase in traffic incidents last year.
Manager Roads and Stormwater Danny Rose said Council is committed to improving road safety on Byangum Road in Murwillumbah, with a number of options being investigated to improve higher risk sections along the road.
“We are introducing new measures to improve road safety, including installing high-friction surface at the Harwood Street and Byangum Road intersection to enhance traction and reduce crashes caused by vehicles losing control,” Mr Rose said.
“We will also be installing ‘smiley face’ signs along the road to remind drivers of their speed.
“Council’s traffic team is actively supporting local police to enforce speed limits and raise awareness.”
Over the past 5 years, 12 crashes have been reported along the length of Byangum Road. Out of the total reported, 5 crashes occurred in 2023 – representing more than 40% of the total incidents during this period. The majority of crashes identified speeding as a key contributing factor.
Speed monitoring on Byangum Road confirms a large number of vehicles are travelling at least 10km/hr above the 50km/h speed limit.
The data also showed that most crashes involved single vehicles or collisions with objects or parked cars.
Fridays and Sundays had the highest number of crashes (3 each), followed by Saturdays (2 crashes).
These statistics highlight the need to slow down and stay alert, particularly on weekends when crash rates are highest.
NSW Police’s Senior Sergeant Chad George confirmed police will be patrolling the area to deter poor road user behaviour, with the aim of preventing people being injured on our roads.
“We will be working closely with Tweed Shire Council to help keep our community safe,” Senior Sergeant George said.
We urge drivers to follow speed limits and be aware of road conditions. Residents are reminded to report unsafe driving to the police and drive responsibly.
Transport for NSW is the authority for speed zones and speed cameras. The community is encouraged to suggest locations for speed cameras to help reduce speeding. Suggestions can be submitted online at Transport for NSW’s website. For more information on speed zones visit the Transport for NSW website or report any road hazards to Council online.
Council follows a 'safe system' approach, which combines initiatives to minimise crashes and their severity, through safer road designs, safer speeds, safer vehicles and safer people.
To learn more about how we build, upgrade and maintain a safe and connected local road network, including how we prioritise road maintenance projects, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/roads.
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