Callum Pull, the Liberal candidate for Newcastle’s upcoming mayoral election, has vowed to reverse the controversial 30 km/h speed zones implemented in key areas of the city. If elected Lord Mayor in September, Pull has promised to advocate for the return of original speed limits, specifically targeting the zones in Honeysuckle and Darby Street.

According to Pull, the 30 km/h speed limit is too restrictive and has been a source of frustration for both motorists and residents. He argues that the reduction in speed has not only made driving more difficult but has also been perceived by many as a revenue-raising strategy through the increase in speeding fines. “30 km/h is just too slow,” Pull stated. “Motorists are frustrated, and residents don’t want the speed reduction. It feels more like a revenue raiser than a measure that actually improves safety.”

One of Pull’s primary concerns is that the 30 km/h limit is even lower than the speed limit enforced in school zones, which typically operate at 40 km/h during certain times of the day. He noted that many drivers struggle to maintain such a low speed for an extended period, which he believes leads to greater annoyance and potential danger rather than making the streets safer. “Motorists find this speed limit annoying, frustrating, and unworkable,” Pull explained. “It’s difficult to drive at such a slow speed for a prolonged time, and it makes the driving experience unnecessarily stressful.”

Pull’s campaign has actively listened to the concerns of local motorists who have expressed dissatisfaction with the new speed zones. Many believe that the reduction in speed has added unnecessary complications to their daily commutes, leading to more traffic congestion and overall dissatisfaction with the city’s transport policies.

Highlighting examples from other areas, Pull pointed to the Liberal Mayor of Liverpool Council, who successfully lobbied the New South Wales Government to lift 30 km/h zones to 40 km/h in Liverpool last year. This change, Pull argues, demonstrates that there are viable alternatives to the current speed restrictions that still prioritize safety without causing as much disruption to drivers. “We need strong local leadership to restore these speed zones to a more workable limit,” Pull said. “Liverpool’s leadership showed that it’s possible to balance safety with practicality, and we can do the same in Newcastle.”

Pull also criticized the decision-making process that led to the implementation of the 30 km/h speed zones, suggesting that Newcastle has once again been used as a testing ground for experimental policy changes without sufficient consideration of the impact on residents and motorists. “Newcastle has been treated like a guinea pig for these policies, and it’s not fair to our community,” Pull remarked. “We deserve thoughtful, well-considered decisions that balance safety with the needs of the people who live and drive here.”

If elected Lord Mayor, Callum Pull promises to prioritize this issue and will immediately seek a meeting with the Minister for Transport and Roads to discuss reversing the speed limits. His goal is to return Newcastle’s streets to a more practical and manageable speed, which he believes will benefit both residents and motorists while maintaining safety.

“We need to restore common sense to our roads,” Pull concluded. “I will fight to have the 30 km/h speed zones returned to normal, ensuring that Newcastle’s streets are safe but also functional for the people who use them every day.”