South Australians and visitors to our state are lucky enough to enjoy the thrill of getting off the beaten track and driving on some of our most popular beaches.

However, in the interests of safety, the speed limits on many SA beaches where driving is permitted could soon be lowered, following extensive public consultation earlier in the year by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).

The engagement process highlighted clear support (80% of respondents) for a reduction to the speed limit to improve safety for all beach users.

Currently 100km/h, the default speed is proposed to be lowered to 40km/h, and 25km/h when passing or within 100 meters of a pedestrian. This option was preferred by the thousands of respondents to the consultation.

It was also supported by key stakeholders including National Parks and Wildlife and South Australian Coastal Councils Alliance.

Other options presented as part of the YourSAy consultation included:

• A default beach speed limit of 40km/h
• A default beach speed limit of 25km/h
• No change to the default speed limits.

There will be no change to beaches where there has already been a reduction, or those with a speed limit of 40km/h or less already. Recently, DIT approved a speed limit of 10 km/h for Moana, Aldinga and Sellicks beaches and a 40km/h speed limit for Goolwa Beach to make the popular beaches safer.

The consultation was prompted due the fact beaches in SA follow the ‘default speed limit’ under road traffic legislation. As many beaches are regional, this means the default speed is 100km/h.

All feedback from the engagement process is now being considered to inform a final decision on a new default beach speed limit by the end of 2023.

To learn more or view the full consultation report, visit the YourSAy website.