As discussed in our 2023 article The problem with Local Traffic Committees, active transport advocates have long been frustrated by the process for approving changes to streets in NSW. Even small projects to improve conditions for walking and cycling have faced red tape.
So Bicycle NSW is delighted that Transport for NSW has finally delivered significant reforms with the 2025 Authorisation and Delegation Instrument.
What is delegation?
The Roads Act 1993 delegation provides the mechanism through which most roads are managed by councils in NSW. However, under the 2011 Delegation to Councils, all changes had to be discussed with Transport for NSW at a Local Traffic Committee.
Since 2023, the Temporary Delegation to Councils has made it easier for local councils and communities to improve their local street environments with simple interventions, such as raised crossings, and host neighbourhood events.
Inner West Council has delivered footpath upgrades and new crossings on Darling Street, Balmain under the Temporary Delegation (Image: Committee for Sydney)
The 2025 Authorisation and Delegation Instrument builds on this recent experimentation and clarifies roles and responsibilities for local and state governments.
What has actually changed?
There are some positive steps forward:
- Councils have full responsibility for decisions on their local network and can simplify their processes. However, Transport for NSW will be available for advice and support.
- Councils are authorised to use a ‘prescribed traffic control device’ – a sign, signal, marking, structure or other device to direct or warn traffic on a road – without having to ask Transport for NSW.
- Councils have the power to regulate traffic for any purpose. Previously local councils could only regulate traffic for road works. Now they can do so for reason unrelated to road works, such as markets, events and marches.
- Traffic Management Plans do not need to be approved by Transport for NSW.
- Councils must use the excellent new NSW Design of Roads and Streets (DORAS) manual as a primary reference.
- Local Traffic Committees (LTCs) have been abolished and replaced by Local Transport Forums (LTFs).
Why is the demise of the Local Traffic Committee a good thing?
Before the Temporary Delegation, local councils needed to seek approval from a Local Traffic Committee (LTC) for very minor items, such as new parking signs, closing a road for an event or building crossings and kerb extensions.
An LTC had four voting members: a Transport for NSW employee with engineering or safety qualifications, a Councillor, and representatives from the NSW Police and the local MP’s office. Only one had to have technical expertise.
Although councils did not always need to bow to the LTC, most were not confident enough to reject LTC recommendations. The four decision makers effectively had the power to veto projects at the last minute - including projects that were funded, tendered and ready to proceed.
Getting projects signed off by the LTC was slow, bureaucratic and mired in internal politics. There was no requirement to align with council’s or NSW Government's own policies. Many LTC members remained wedded to car-first planning. They often made recommendations that reflected the concerns of the loudest voices in the community, not what is best for everyone.
Some LTCs were progressive and nurtured fruitful relationships between council and key agencies, but they were not democratic or inclusive. Decisions did not have to involve experts who should always be at the table when discussing roads and streets – such as urban designers, strategic planners, active transport specialists and other local councillors.
This process has often hindered councils’ work to deliver safer, more liveable streets.
How is the Local Transport Forum different?
The LTF only has an advisory role. It is not an approval body and it cannot not make decisions. There is no voting, no vetoes, and no requirement for unanimity.
TfNSW may issue a ‘Statement of Concern’ but this doesn’t override council authority.
Although the core membership is unchanged, councils can invite anyone else they choose.
Referral to the LTF is only required where regulation of traffic exceeds 6 months in duration or public transport is negatively affected for more than 24 hours.
Importantly, the LTF must maintain a public record of works that have been authorised outside the forum.
“This is a very significant instruction,” said David Thomson, Bike North President. “Until recently my council had not convened the LTC for over 2 years. It made full use the 2023 Temporary Delegation for changes to the streets instead. As a result, there are no minutes, no public record of what has been done, no transparency, and no opportunity for community members to engage on projects that affect them.”
For Fairlight Spring Fling, a community event organised by volunteers from Better Streets Northern Beaches and Bicycle NSW, a slip road was closed to demonstrate the benefit of reallocating excess road space. The 2025 Authorisation and Delegation Instrument will make similar events much easier to run (Image: Bicycle NSW)
What still can’t be done?
Councils have not been authorised to alter traffic signals or speed limits. Council must engage directly with Transport about any changes to speed zone signs or traffic lights.
Some great examples of what can and cannot be done without referral to the LTF can be found in this collection of worked examples.
For much more information about the 2025 Authorisation & Delegation Instrument head to Transport for NSW’s Authorisation and Delegation to Councils page.
“Bicycle NSW is delighted about the delegation changes,” said Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean. “We’ve advocated for reform for a long time. It is particularly pleasing to have real clarity about the authority of the Local Transport Forum – that it is only advisory and not decision-making.
"There is a real opportunity for innovation in improving streets and roads. It will be easier to trial interventions proven to be successful elsewhere.
“I encourage all councils to include a walking and cycling rep in their LTFs, as well as an urban designer, to ensure that active transport and placemaking is front and centre of all forum discussions.
“I would also like to see Transport for NSW roll out mandatory training so that all LTF members are aware of policies and strategies that aim to deliver better, safer streets."
Can you support our advocacy?
Bicycle NSW is dedicated to making NSW better for bike riding. Our advocacy team has a seat at the table of all levels of government. For example, we are a key stakeholder for the review of the Road Act, which could make a real difference to the status quo.
Please join Bicycle NSW and amplify our calls for better infrastructure and safer streets. You will also ride easy, covered by our comprehensive insurance and enjoy many other Member-only benefits.
If you are not ready to join the Bicycle NSW family, then we would love you to donate to the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund.
