A western Sydney Council is celebrating after a two-year battle with the state government to remove speed cameras and lift a 30km limit in the CBD.

Roads Minister Natalie Ward has confirmed the state government will reinstate a 40km speed limit from January and acknowledged community concerns.

Transport for NSW implemented the 30km speed limit as part of a pilot program trial in the Liverpool City Centre as a Covid-19 response, to support more active travel and reduce accidents.

Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun said the community had been overwhelmingly against the speed limit since it was introduced “without consultation” two years ago .

The measure was met by an “avalanche of complaints” and became a convenient cash cow for the government, he said.

More than 14,000 drivers were booked, and one CBD camera alone generated $2.58 million in fines in the first seven months of this year. 

Cr Mannoun said Liverpool’s victory had saved other councils from having similar limits imposed.

“It’s a victory for people power in Liverpool and Sydney’s south west generally,” he said. 

“If the 30km limit had become permanent other council areas might have suffered the same fate. 

“It’s another example of when the community and Council work together, we can make things happen.” 

In exchange for lifting the limit, Council is required to install an extra pedestrian barrier, which Cr Mannoun says will be a priority.