NSW: Roads Act Review Options Paper consultation now open

Source: Transport for NSW

Transport for NSW are pleased to announce the release of the Roads Act Review Options Paper, marking a significant milestone in the targeted review of the Roads Act 1993. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of road management and planning across NSW.

About the Options Paper

Following extensive engagement during the first stage of the review, including feedback from councils, advocacy groups, agencies, and community organisations, the Options Paper presents three reform models that reflect different ways of structuring responsibilities, regulatory tools and decision-making frameworks for the future management of roads and streets. 

The reform of the Roads Act aims to deliver outcomes that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of communities across NSW. The Options Paper proposes reforms to support safer, more accessible, and resilient road networks, while balancing the interests of all users. By streamlining responsibilities and encouraging local decision-making, the review seeks to improve connectivity, enable innovation, and ensure our roads adapt to technological change and urban growth.

Have Your Say

This is your chance to participate in this once-in-a-generation review and provide your feedback via the Have Your Say portal https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/roads-act-1993.

Consultation Period

For stakeholders who interact directly with the Roads Act we ask you to read the Options Paper in full and make endorsed submissions. We encourage you to use the Submission Guide and Submission Template attached and available on the portal to help prepare your response. Feedback is open from Friday 15 August until Friday 31 October 2025.

By responding to the questions below or providing broader comments, submissions can reflect your organisation’s experience and needs, or your views on how best to modernise the regulation of roads under the Act to support your interests. The questions have been grouped into themes to support your thinking. These can be considered in addition to other guiding questions in section 11 of the Options Paper.

These questions are provided as helpful prompts to support stakeholders in formulating their submission.

1. Freight recognition and road user hierarchy

Should the Roads Act explicitly recognise freight as a distinct road user group alongside motorists, public and active transport?
How should freight be prioritised in road planning and operational decisions, particularly in urban areas?
Would a formal road user hierarchy help ensure freight needs are consistently considered? How could this work?

2. Access, safety and infrastructure

What are the most common barriers you face when seeking access approvals for freight vehicles, including PBS and oversize/overmass vehicles?
How could the Roads Act better support the provision and protection of heavy vehicle rest areas?
What safety design standards should be mandated for new or upgraded roads to ensure they are fit for freight?

4. Road classification

How does the current road classification system affect your operations
What changes would improve clarity and consistency?

5. Planning integration and industrial lands

Have you experienced disconnects between land use planning and road access approvals? What impact did this have?
What planning reforms would help ensure freight access is considered early in the development of industrial precincts?
How should freight needs be balanced with housing and amenity goals?

7. Sustainability and innovation

What role should the Roads Act play in supporting low-emission freight corridors and sustainable freight practices?
How can environmental considerations (e.g. noise, emissions) be balanced with the need for reliable freight access?
How well does the current planning and road access framework support last mile freight delivery in urban and high-density areas?

Why is this review happening?

The Roads Act 1993 is a foundational piece of legislation that governs how roads and streets are planned, managed, and used throughout NSW. Since its commencement over 30 years ago, a lot has changed in the way our communities live, move, and connect. The Act now faces challenges in meeting contemporary needs and expectations for safety, accessibility, vibrancy, and efficiency. This review aims to deliver a statute that is modern, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving roles of our roads and streets.

Next Steps

Feedback received will inform the selection and refinement of options for reform. This is the final opportunity to help shape the recommendations that will be presented to the Minister for Transport, and the Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport.

We look forward to your participation and insight as we work together to ensure the Roads Act remains fit-for-purpose, empowering local communities and supporting a modern, efficient, and inclusive road network for all.

For further enquiries, please contact the project team at roadsactfeedback@transport.nsw.gov.au.