New high-visibility signs have appeared in the heart of Lennox Head after council speed checks found significant numbers of drivers were failing to obey the 10km/h shared-zone limit.

The changes in Ballina Street are part of an ongoing effort by Ballina Shire Council, Transport for NSW and police to improve safety through the busy shopping precinct, where pedestrians have priority over vehicles.

But council documents reveal an unusual enforcement problem: police say speed radar cannot be used effectively because the 10km/h limit is too low for the equipment to measure.

Speed data collected towards the end of 2025 found “significant non-compliance” with the limit through the shared zone.

With conventional speed enforcement proving impractical, authorities have instead concentrated on making drivers more aware that they are entering an area where pedestrians and vehicles share the road.

Council has refreshed the distinctive “piano key” line markings and 10km/h road markings at the northern and southern entrances to the zone.

High-visibility backing is also being added around regulatory signs at the northern and southern entrances and at Rayner Lane.

Further signs reminding drivers of the shared-zone rules have also been considered, including a trial of “Give Way to pedestrian” signs similar to those used in Perth.

The measures follow years of discussion involving council’s Local Traffic Committee (now the Local Transport Forum),  Transport for NSW, NSW Police and council’s Road Safety Officer.

At a February meeting, police advised they would continue regular patrols, while the forum also recommended council investigate painting the approach ramp a different colour to distinguish it from the normal road surface.

‘Most drivers seem to get it’

The latest signage has already attracted attention from Lennox Head residents.

Posting a photograph of the changes to Facebook (above), local resident Debby Milgate welcomed the more prominent signs.

“Great to see that the signage is even more prominent in the shared zone,” she wrote.

“Most drivers seem to get it –  sadly not all.”

Other residents responding to the post said they continued to see vehicles travelling too quickly through the precinct or failing to give way to pedestrians.

Under shared-zone rules, drivers must travel at no more than 10km/h and give way to pedestrians within the zone.

The rules apply between the Shared Zone and End Shared Zone signs  – an important distinction raised by residents concerned some pedestrians may believe they have the same priority beyond the designated section of Ballina Street.

Interestingly, council’s monitoring found the problem appears concentrated within the shared zone itself.

Speed checks in the surrounding 30km/h sections of Ballina Street and Park Lane did not find significant non-compliance, while crash and speed data did not support installing additional signs in those areas.

Council says it will continue reminding drivers about the shared zone and speed limits through its Community Connect newsletter and social media.