‘NO’ Message Appears on Numerous Speed Signs, Ahead of Voice to Parliament Referendum

Speed ​​signs across the country were vandalized to read “No” ahead of Saturday’s Voice to Parliament referendum, sparking warnings from authorities.

Dozens of signs alerting drivers to a 110km/h speed limit along the Pacific Highway and M1 between Hornsby and Newcastle were defaced with black tape to read “NO” on Sunday.

Signs have also been similarly vandalized in South Australia and Victoria, leading authorities to warn of hefty fines, or even jail time, for those caught tampering with the signs signaling.

In New South Wales, the maximum penalty is a fine of $2,200, while in South Australia the perpetrator can be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned for one year .

NSW Transport Secretary Josh Murray has highlighted the importance of speed limit signs in keeping motorists and the roads safe.

“Defacing road safety signs is potentially dangerous and is an offense that will not be tolerated, with offenders subject to fines of up to $2,200,” Mr Murray wrote in a statement.

“Speed ​​limits are in place to keep motorists safe and damaged road signs are irresponsible and dangerous, particularly at a time when families are heading home at the end of the school holidays.

“Transport for NSW has already allocated a crew to repair the signs as soon as possible.”

He urged anyone with information or dashcam footage of the ongoing vandalism to come forward to NSW Police, who are aware of the incidents.

Footage of similar incidents in South Australia and Victoria was posted on social media last week, showing dozens of signs vandalized.

The state’s Department of Infrastructure and Transportation said it was taking the matter “very seriously” in a statement to ABC.

“Damaging road infrastructure is a criminal offense punishable by a maximum penalty of $5,000 or one year of imprisonment.

“Road signs and infrastructure are very important for driver safety and we take this issue very seriously.”