Norfolk Island Roads Speed Limits

When driving the roads on Norfolk Island you will notice the speed limits are lower than across the ditch in Australia or New Zealand. This is for the safety of road uses as the Norfolk Island roadways are narrow, the cows are on the roads and there are also one or two potholes and uneven roadways which can give you a fright when you aren’t expecting them.

These are a good reason for the lower speed limits on Norfolk Island. The top legal speed on Norfolk Island is 50km and the town area in Burnt Pine is 40km and school zone and Kingston Beach area is 30km. Remember when driving at Kingston once you cross the cattle grid, the speed limit is 30km. Please slow down and take care of the pedestrians and children as tourist enjoy walking the area and there are families and visitors at Emily Bay and lots of people enjoying the great outdoors as well as walking their dogs.

Last weekend I spotted a Facebook post on “Norfolk Island Noticeboard”, with a photograph of the Kingston speed signs graffitied and changed from 30km to 80km. It is sad to see public property defaced and damaged. When I drove to Kingston on Monday, the two signs had been replaced. Thank you to the staff who installed the correct 30km speed limit. This was a good reminder to the community and visitors that the speed limit is slower to keep everyone safe, too often I see vehicles and motor bikes driving faster than they should along the foreshore, which is dangerous to those reversing out of carparks or walking and exploring Kingston.

Here are few other road safety tips for driving on Norfolk Island:

Another hazard on Norfolk Island are the cows and their calves. They have the right of way on the roadways, and they are often in no rush to move. I often see visitors stop to photograph the cows, but please remember to pull off the road if you wish to capture images when out exploring Norfolk Island wonderful views.

If riding motorbikes, scooters and bicycles remember it is advisable to wear a helmet and keep your them roadworthy with regular maintenance checks. You want the brakes to work when you need them, especially on steep hills. If riding after dark, please use lights so other vehicles can see you and to keep safe on the roads.

During the past couple of years, white lines have been painted on some of the Norfolk Island roads, but the majority of roadways are unmarked, so it is important to remember to keep to the left-hand side of the road, not the middle of the road, which is dangerous for oncoming vehicles. Many roadways are narrow, and vehicles are getting bigger, so take care on winding hilly roads.

If you are enjoying social gatherings and having a drink or two, organise a sober driver and organise a ride home. Call 53840 for a local taxi, its best to prebook with Kased Cabs and check what hours the service is available.

Here a few photos of the Norfolk Island roadway “Speed Limit” signs, plus a copy of the image of the Kingston defaced speed sign from Facebook posted by Diane. Please remember to take care on the roads and remember the speed limits for everyone's safety when using the Norfolk Island roadways

Betty Matthews

6 September 2024