Perth Speed Bump Approval - City Bylaw Guide

Transportation Western Australia 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia residents and community groups often ask how to request speed bumps on local streets. This article explains the typical municipal approval process, who enforces rules in Perth, and practical steps to apply, appeal or report problems with traffic-calming measures. It summarises the official contact points and points to primary municipal and state guidance so you can prepare a compliant request.

Overview of the approval process

Local councils assess requests for speed bumps (traffic-calming devices) using an internal traffic or engineering assessment that considers safety, traffic volumes, heavy vehicle routes and emergency access. The City of Perth coordinates local street changes through its roads and transport functions [1]. Technical standards and guidance for traffic-calming devices are informed by Main Roads Western Australia and state technical bulletins [2].

Start by contacting your local council traffic or infrastructure team to discuss site feasibility.

Typical assessment criteria

  • Traffic volume and speed data, including observed 85th percentile speed.
  • Road classification and whether the street forms part of an arterial or heavy vehicle route.
  • Crash history and pedestrian exposure near schools or crossings.
  • Emergency services access and route clearance requirements.
  • Community consultation and resident support evidence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and sanctions for unauthorised installation or removal of traffic-calming devices are administered by the local council's infrastructure or by-law enforcement team. Specific penalty amounts for unauthorised works on roads are not specified on the cited municipal pages and may be drawn from relevant local laws or state legislation; the cited City of Perth resources do not list fixed fines for this activity [1]. Main Roads WA provides technical standards rather than enforcement penalties [2].

Unauthorised works on a public road may result in removal orders and liability for costs.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, repair/reinstatement, court action (where authorised by local law).
  • Enforcer: City of Perth Infrastructure/By-law Enforcement or equivalent local council team; use the council contact pages in Resources below.
  • Appeals/review: council review and complaints pathways apply; specific statutory time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: councils may permit traffic-calming via permits, traffic management approvals or project variances; details are assessed case by case.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth's public pages describe how to request road works but do not publish a named "Speed Bump Application" form on the cited page; therefore a specific form number or fee is not specified on that page [1]. Applicants normally submit a written request or online service request to the council traffic or roads team with supporting photos and reasons.

  • Form name/number: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: contact council infrastructure or lodge a service request via the council website.
If no published form exists, prepare a written request with location, reasons and supporting evidence.

Action steps

  1. Contact the City of Perth infrastructure or roads team to confirm whether a formal application is required and to request any required inspection.
  2. Gather evidence: traffic speeds, counts, crash data and resident signatures or submissions.
  3. Submit a written request or online service request with attachments; request confirmation of the application number.
  4. Undergo any council technical assessment, community consultation and pilot program if required.
  5. Pay any approved fees if the council issues an invoice for installation or study costs.
  6. If refused, use the council complaints or review pathway; ask for reasons and any internal review time limit.
Keep clear records of all communications and any reference numbers provided by the council.

FAQ

Who decides whether a speed bump can be installed?
Council engineers or the local roads/transport team decide after technical assessment and community consultation; state agencies advise on standards.[2]
How long does the approval process take?
Timeframes vary by council workload and the need for traffic studies; specific timelines are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
Can residents force installation?
Residents can request measures and provide petitions but installation is at the council's discretion following assessment and consultation.

How-To

  1. Contact the City of Perth roads or infrastructure team to log your request and ask for any application instructions.
  2. Collect evidence: photos, traffic counts, crash records and neighbour support statements.
  3. Submit the request in writing or via the council online service portal and attach evidence.
  4. Respond to any council requests for more data or participate in consultation.
  5. If approved, follow invoicing and scheduling steps set by the council for installation.
Always confirm any required permits before carrying out physical works on a public road.

Key Takeaways

  • Requests are assessed by the local council using safety and traffic criteria.
  • There is no single published citywide "speed bump" form on the cited municipal pages; check with the council.
  • Contact the City of Perth infrastructure or transport team early to avoid unauthorised works.

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