Road Safety
Council actively supports road safety through community education and reviewing and enforcing regulations.
On this webpage, you can learn about:
Road Safety Rules and Advice
The Road User Handbook covers the main rules motorists need to know to drive legally and safely on NSW roads. The handbook helps motorists check the rules, understand legal responsibilities, and learn safe driving behaviour.
Motorists can read the Road User Handbook (PDF, 7MB) online or purchase a copy from a Service NSW Centre. The Road User Handbook is available in other languages, and motorists can access road rules and safety information in 66 languages using the language translation function provided on the website.
The handbook is written in plain, easy to understand language, so it is not a detailed version of road law. Motorists can access the current and complete set of Road Rules by visiting the NSW legislation website.
Special versions of the Road User Handbook have been developed to provide road rules and safety guidance for specific road user classes including:
Road users may also benefit from reviewing:
Reporting Traffic and Parking Offences
See information below on how to report moving traffic and parking offences
Reporting moving traffic violations
Moving traffic offences can only be enforced by NSW Police.
Motorists are expected to always obey the road rules. Illegal drag racing, burn-outs, speeding and other reckless road behaviour poses risks to the community and affects all road users and members of the public.
Illegal driving should be reported to Police. The public can report this behaviour via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phoning the Police Assistance Line allows the public to report crime over the phone immediately.
Once a report is completed by a Customer Service Representative, the information is then available to local police. Remember, always contact 000 in an emergency.
When reporting a hooning incident, the below information will assist Police in dealing with the matter.
- a description of the vehicle/s
- vehicle registration
- time and date of offence
- location of the offence (including the nearest cross street)
- a description of the driver.
- specific and detailed information of what is occurring
Reporting illegal parking
Illegal parking can be reported to Council’s Ranger & Parking Services. To learn more about illegal parking, including how to report illegal parking, go to this webpage.
School Road Safety
Click on the links below to learn more about community education and regulation in relation to traffic and parking safety around schools.
School zone rules and responsibility
The NSW Government enforces 40km/h speed limits in school zones to protect children on their way to and from school.
School zones are under the care and control of the NSW Government’s Transport for NSW. This includes:
- Installation of new school zones
- Removal of school zone following closure of a school
- Installation of all 40km/h school zone signs, patches and dragon’s teeth markings
- Operating times of 40km/h school zones
- Installation and maintenance of school zone flashing lights
- Traffic signals
- Installation and maintenance of all speed zone signs, including 40km/h school zone signs.
To submit a request in relation to a school zone click here
To find out more about school zones, click here.
Education for students
Education for students The Road Safety Education Program is taught by the NSW Government’s Centre for Road Safety in government and non-government schools. Road safety is included in the learning area of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). All students in NSW study PDHPE from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Road safety education specialists in the Government, Catholic and Independent school sectors provide professional learning and advice to teachers and schools about teaching road safety and how to address road safety issues through the curriculum.
Schools can find out more here.
School crossing supervisor program
The School Crossing Supervisor program is under the care and control of Transport for NSW (TFNSW).
It is a Statewide program that contributes to the safety of infants and primary school students. School crossing supervisors help students use the crossings on roads adjacent to or nearby schools.
School crossing supervisors are provided where TFNSW guidelines and criteria are met.
An application form must be completed by the School Principal and will be investigated by the TFNSW School Crossing Program. Click here for the application form.
The NSW Government website lists employment opportunities for school crossing supervisors. Please contact them directly to discuss this role and the procedure for replacement of School Crossing Supervisors.
Safety presentation for parents and carers
Council's Ranger and Parking Services provides a road safety presentation for parents and carers of school students.
The presentation raises awareness of road safety issues around schools. The presentation runs for approximately 10 minutes (plus any question time) and provides a framework for discussion about how to increase children’s safety when dropping-off and picking-up children from school.
It is recommended that all schools within the City of Parramatta promote this initiative to their Parents & Citizens’ (P&C) Associations. This presentation can be delivered online (preferred method) or in person.
To arrange a presentation for your school's P&C, please call Council's Ranger and Parking Services on 9806 5050 to book a suitable time and date.
Reviewing parking restrictions around schools
Council acknowledges that schools and/or P&Cs are in the best position to represent the interests of parents/students and can consult with their school community (if needed) so that a consensus is established.
Schools can advise Council should they wish to have parking restrictions reviewed around their school.
Local Government Road Safety Program
The following free programs are run as part of Council’s Local Government Road Safety Program with support from Transport for NSW.
Child Restraint Seats
Have your child car seat fitted or checked for free
As part of Council’s Local Government Road Safety Program and in partnership with Transport for NSW, eligible residents can attend a free child restraint fitting and checking event.
At these events, an authorised fitter will fit or adjust/check your child restraint for free (up to three child restraints per one vehicle).
2025/2026 fitting dates and booking links
- Wednesday 25 March 2026 (booking open 25 February 2026) Book Online
- Wednesday 3 June 2026 (bookings open 3 May 2026) Book Online
Bookings are essential
Booking terms and conditions apply. Bookings can only be made online via Council’s Bookable system.
Due to funding limitations, bookings are open to residents of the City of Parramatta only.
For any enquiries about fitting days, please contact Council's Road Safety Officer at roadsafety@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9806 5768.
Other child restraint seat fittings and checking opportunities
Should you need to have your child restraint seat fitted or checked, you can search for an Authorised Restraint Fitting Station in the local area. Find an authorised child restraint fitting station. Please note the cost of using these fitting stations must be covered by the user and is not covered by Council.
You are encouraged to visit Transport for NSW for more information. Make the safest choice which provides useful and educational information on choosing a child car seat.
Teaching learner drivers
Do you know a young adult who has their learner's license, or is getting ready to obtain their learners license?
As part of Council’s Local Government Road Safety Program, Council is hosting a free online workshop for parents and supervisors of learner drivers.
Get information and practical advice on a range of topics, including:
- Understanding the current laws for learner and provisional license holders
- How to correctly complete the learner driver log book
- Techniques in supervising learner drivers
- Understanding the benefits of receiving supervised on-road driving experience
- Practical advice on how supervisors of learner drivers can help learners become safe drivers.
You don't need to live within the City of Parramatta area to attend, so don't forget to tell your friends!
Upcoming workshop
Supervising learner drivers – the fundamentals e-learning course
Check out Transport for NSW’s free online resource for parents, guardians and other fully licensed drivers wishing to supervise learner drivers when they practise driving. This free course is made up of 5 e-learning modules that can be accessed as many times as you like. Complete the course
Senior driving workshop
As part of Council's Local Government Road Safety Program, Council holds a FREE workshop for senior drivers.
During this in-person workshop, a Driver Educator with over 20 years formal industry engagement explains
- Low risk driving strategies
- New vehicle technology
- Misunderstood road rules
- What you really need to know about renewing a Class C licence in NSW, including medical and driving assessment choices from the age of 75, incorporating applying for a modified licence.
Light refreshments provided. Attendee numbers are limited.
Upcoming workshop
- Date: Wednesday 18 March 2026 (Registrations open 18 January)
- Time: 10am - 1:20pm
- Booking: Book online at Bookable.
- Venue: Workshops are held at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta
Register online or by phoning Council’s Road Safety Officer, 02 9806 5768 (registrations accept after 18 January 2026)
This is a popular workshop. If you are unable to attend after you have booked, please either cancel your booking online or cancel your ticket by calling Council's Road Safety Officer on 02 9806 5768. This allows others the opportunity to attend.
Safe Towing Workshop
Are you Towing safely?
Do you tow a caravan, boat or camping/work trailer?
Drivers towing a trailer should understand their allowable weight limits and how to correctly and safely load and weigh their trailer, tow vehicle, tow ball and combination. Drivers also need to understand safe towing speeds, stopping distances, fatigue management and how towing overweight or incorrectly loaded trailers can affect the safety of themselves and others while driving.
As part of Council’s Local Government Road Safety Program, Council with support from TfNSW, will be hosting a FREE workshop on safe towing where you can ask questions and get the answers from the experts.
This interactive workshop provides information and demonstrations to support the safe loading and towing of trailers and caravans.
The experts will be able to answer your questions such as
- What is the GCM?
- Is the towing capacity of my vehicle able to support my trailer?
- What are the rules for putting bicycles on the back of my van?
- How do I know if my trailer is loaded safely?
Next Free Workshop
- Date: Saturday 13 June 2026.
- Time: 10:00am to 12:30pm (Registrations open 20 April)
- Booking: Book online at Bookable or by phoning Council’s Road Safety Officer, 02 9806 5768
Attendee numbers are limited. Registrations essential
You do not need to live within the Parramatta Local Government Area to attend, so tell a friend!
Note: Participants should NOT bring their trailers or caravans to this workshop.
Basic car maintenance workshop
As part of Council’s Local Government Road Safety Program, Council with the support of TfNSW, is holding a FREE basic car maintenance workshop to help you feel more confident and empowered on the road.
This workshop is open to participants from 16+ years and is being held in school holiday periods, so grab a friend or family member and learn new life skills together!
The workshop is run by specialised educator Galmatic, who provides a safe and no judgement zone where basic car maintenance skills are shared including
- Why tyre pressure and tread are important (and how to check both)
- What, when and how to check the engine and keep it running smoothly and safely
- Participants will check oil, coolant, fluids, battery and hoses
- Hands-on experience changing a tyre
Participants must wear suitable covered shoes.
Attendee numbers are limited. Registrations are essential.
If you are unable to attend after you have booked, please cancel your ticket online or call Council's Road Safety Officer on 02 9806 5768. This allows others the opportunity to attend.
Next free workshop
- Date: Tuesday 14 April 2026 (registrations open 24 February)
- Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm (during school holidays)
- Booking: Book online at Bookable
First-aid for motorcyclists workshop
It’s important that all road users help keep riders safe on our roads.
Motorcycle riders are overrepresented in NSW road trauma. On average 60 motorcycle riders are killed and 1,088 are seriously injured each year.
October is Motorcycle Awareness Month, which is an initiative of the Motorcycle Council of NSW. It runs for the month of October and is supported by Transport for NSW. It encourages driver awareness of motorcycles and educates on safe motorcycle riding behaviour.
If you're a driver:
- Remember, motorcycles are smaller than cars and can be harder to see.
- Scan the road and watch for motorcycle riders, especially approaching intersections and roundabouts.
- Check your blind spots often for motorcycle riders.
- When you’re pulling out from the kerb, look especially for motorcycle riders.
- Give motorcycle riders space. They may have to avoid an obstacle that wouldn’t matter to you, but could be a serious hazard for them.
If you're a rider:
- Choose the safest gear and wear it every ride - no matter how short. Check out www.motocap.com.au to compare safety and comfort ratings of helmets, jackets, pants and gloves.
- Check your bike is in good condition for the ride.
- Be prepared by planning the safest route with breaks, checking weather and traffic conditions and being well rested.
- Practice safe riding behaviour such as buffering, avoiding harsh braking and starting curves wide and finishing tight as well as following the road rules.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. This Motorcycle Awareness Month both riders and drivers have a role to play in working towards zero deaths and serious injuries on our road. For more information visit RIDE TO LIVE.
Free First-aid for motorcyclists workshop
During Motorcycle Awareness Month, Council gives riders the opportunity to attend a free first-aid for motorcyclists workshop.
Date: October 2026 date to be advised. Attendee numbers are limited. Registrations open in August 2026.