The speed limit has been reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h on roads approaching level crossings controlled by boom gates and or flashing lights.

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the speed zone changes at level crossings along the Inland Rail route in Parkes and Narromine are the first in the central west to improve safety.

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"Level crossings which have boom gates and flashing lights rather than only 'stop' or 'give way' signs generally have higher levels of traffic and train use," he said.

"The speed zone changes at these level crossings aligned with the timing of Inland Rail."

According to the NSW government from 2001 to 2020 there were 154 crashes between trains and vehicles at level crossings in NSW, which resulted in 14 fatalities and 24 serious injuries.

More than 30 per cent of these crashes occurred at locations where the speed limit was 100km/h or greater.

Mr Saunders said reducing road speeds to a maximum of 80km/h allows motorists more time to react and decreases the likelihood of vehicles not being able to stop at level crossings.

"Trains can take up to 14 football fields, or 1.4 kilometres to stop, which means that even if trains see you, they can't stop," he said.

"A reduced speed limit reduces the likelihood of a crash and allows drivers more time to react and stop safely at a level crossing."

New specially designed speed zone signs will be installed about 400 metres from the level crossing at a number of locations in Narromine and Parkes to remind drivers to slow down and take extra care as they approach.

The rollout of the state-wide program to improve level crossing safety began in November 2020. Mr Saunders confirmed more speed zone changes would be happening at locations around Dubbo in the next financial year.

Locations where the speed limit has changed: