A NEW 70km/h speed limit along Welshpool Road East has been introduced, reducing speeds and sparking concern from Perth Hills motorists over communication, consultation, and enforcement timing.

The lower speed follows a road safety review by the City of Kalamunda, which examined local crash data, traffic volume, and roadside hazards before the change was formally approved and implemented by Main Roads WA.

In a report delivered to council on May 12, the City of Kalamunda confirmed that 111 crashes were recorded on Welshpool Road East between Boundary Road and Crystal Brook Road between 2021 and 2025, with the Lewis Road intersection recording 62.

Kalamunda MLA Adam Hort raised concern regarding the execution of the change, questioning whether lowering the speed limit across such a broad stretch is the best solution for the corridor.

“I’ve lived near and driven along Welshpool Road East for most of my life… so I understand the genuine safety concerns residents have raised over many years, particularly at the Lewis Road intersection.

“What has frustrated many locals is how abruptly and chaotically the change was introduced, with many regular drivers only finding out once the signs had changed and the new limit being introduced at different times in each direction.

“Deploying an AI-enabled safety camera within weeks of the change only reinforces why authorities should have prioritised clear communication and education before moving so quickly towards enforcement.”

A Main Roads spokesperson said the changes were publicly considered by the City of Kalamunda and endorsed through a council resolution before being submitted for assessment and approval.

“The planned speed limit change was advertised on the Main Roads website prior to implementation. As with all speed zoning changes, the regulatory speed limit signs installed on-site provide the legal commencement of the new speed zone,” they said.

“Main Roads also installs temporary ‘New Speed Limit Ahead’ warning signs where site conditions indicate additional advance notice would assist drivers to recognise the change.”

The speed reduction also raised concerns about how the lower limit would affect heavy vehicles travelling up the steep sections of Welshpool Road East, with truck drivers reporting difficulties maintaining a safe speed on the climb.

Main Roads said truck performance on steep grades was one of several factors considered when assessing the operation of the road network.

“The speed limit reduction was implemented to improve road safety outcomes, taking into account the corridor’s crash history, roadside environment, and intersection-related crashes,” they said.

“Main Roads will continue to monitor the corridor as part of the normal network management activities.”