Sydney restaurant owner Peter Papas has criticised a growing push by local councils to reduce speed limits across suburban streets, labelling the move “a waste of money and over-regulation.”
Papas, who runs Kazzi Beach Greek at Balmoral, voiced opposition to Mosman Council’s proposal to cut speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h on Military Road and The Esplanade, arguing: “Putting it on a sign isn’t going to stop hoons… councils should be focused on improving amenity.”
His comments come as multiple Sydney councils – including Waverley, Blacktown, and the City of Sydney – call for more power to lower local speed limits, citing community safety concerns and slow bureaucracy under Transport for NSW.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Blacktown Council said residents felt “trapped in their homes” due to speeding drivers.
Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou also raised concerns, warning that handing speed-setting powers to councils could lead to a “mishmash” of speed zones and broader network issues.
While motoring groups such as the NRMA echoed worries about consistency and driver confusion, pedestrian and cycling advocates, including Bicycle NSW and WalkSydney, strongly backed the councils’ efforts, calling for safer, more liveable streets.
The NSW Government is reviewing road legislation, but Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison has yet to endorse the councils’ proposal, stating speed limits must remain “based on evidence, not opinion.”
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
