Huge News for Councils in NSW!

The NSW Government has abolished Local Traffic Committees and replaced them with Local Transport Forums (LTFs). This is a monumental shift in how decisions are made about local streets and roads in NSW.

For decades, traffic committee included four voting members (TfNSW, Police, local MP/s and a councillor or Council's traffic engineer) with the power to veto projects at the last minute. This often delayed or blocked councils from delivering safer, more liveable streets.

That’s now changed for the better:
⚖️ LTFs are advisory only — no voting, no approvals, no vetoes
🚧 Councils are not required to convene LTFs for most works
🚌 The only mandatory items are for public transport disruptions >24 hours or closures for motor vehicles access >6 months
🚀 Councils have full responsibility for decisions on their local network
👯 The four core members remain, however council can invite anyone else they choose
🚦 TfNSW may issue a ‘Statement of Concern’ however this doesn’t override council authority
🚗 Traffic Management Plans are no longer required at the LTF.

This reform gives councils greater autonomy, much faster processes and the flexibility to shape their streets in line with their own policies, community needs and climate targets.🤸‍♂️

👏 A big step forward for local government in NSW. Congratulations to the heroes who've worked hard over many years to make this happen.

👉 Better Streets is keen to organise a webinar and training material on how councils can best use this change to get better outcomes. What burning questions will councils and practitioners have? If you work in a council, how would you use the opportunity of a forum with Transport for NSW staff, police and the state MP to address bigger picture issues for local streets and precincts? Contact us by clicking on the About menu at the top of the page.

For more information see https://lnkd.in/gFBWkZAM