Roads Act Review
🚸 The NSW Roads Act is Being Reviewed – and It’s a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
The NSW Government is reviewing the Roads Act – the legislation that shapes how streets are planned, built, and used across the state. It’s the first full review in decades and could have huge implications for how we move around and how our public space is used.
Done well, it could put people—not just cars—at the heart of decision-making. It could support walking, bike riding, public transport, safer speeds, better health, climate action, and the Movement and Place framework already adopted by Transport for NSW. Done badly, it risks locking in more of the same: car dominance, congestion, emissions, and dangerous streets.
That’s why Better Streets and WalkSydney—who both sit on the Peer Review Advisory Group—have made a detailed submission outlining what needs to change.
💡 What’s on the table?
The Government’s current consultation focuses on three “models” for how the Act could be delivered. But in our view, these don’t go far enough. We think the real issue is what the Roads Act is for.
📝 What we’re recommending:
1. Start with a clear purpose
Like any good law, the Act needs a clear purpose. We’re calling for new Objects that make it clear streets should:
Be safe, accessible, and equitable for people walking, cycling, and using public transport
Support Net Zero by enabling low-carbon travel
Improve public health with green, shaded, and slow streets
Eliminate road deaths and serious injuries (Vision Zero)
Strengthen communities through people-centred design
Be managed transparently and based on evidence
2. Drop the car-centric thinking (motonormativity)
Many countries and states are moving away from “car-first” thinking. We need a new road user hierarchy and clear principles that:
Prioritise mode shift
Treat streets as public space for everyone
Mitigate and respond to climate change
Minimise harm and trauma
Improve equity for all types of road and public space users
The NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act has great examples of how to frame this approach.
3. Use maps to secure better decisions
Planning shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Strategic maps could guide decisions—showing where streets should prioritise walking, cycling, placemaking or freight, depending on local context.
4. Strengthen independent oversight
There’s already a mechanism for reviewing projects—the Audit Office—but it doesn’t have the teeth to enforce change. We’re calling for:
A strengthened independent regulator with powers to oversee major road projects and hold agencies to account if they don’t deliver in accordance with the conditions
Public hearings before—not after—government investment decisions
Requirements for road authorities to respond publicly to recommendations
Optional specialist commissioners (e.g. for active transport), with real authority to influence outcomes before it’s too late.
🚦Why this matters
If NSW gets this right, it will lead the nation in transforming streets to support healthier, safer, and more climate-friendly movement. If we miss the moment, it could be another 30 years before we get another chance.
This review is not just about roads—it’s about how we want to live.
🔗 For our submission, click here
