LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir – A 200km stretch of the Stuart Highway will undergo a 12 month open speed limit trial, starting tomorrow.
The stretch of road, south of Barrow Creek to just north of Alice Springs was recommended for the trial as it had no identified road geometry issues and low crash numbers.
The stretch of highway has undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade to improve safety during the trial. 2013 saw the road toll drop by nearly 25% in the Northern Territory, with 12 fewer deaths on our roads than in 2012 and the lowest since 2009.
In the 10 years between 2001-2011 there weren’t any speed related fatalities on this stretch of road. Since 2011 there have been no fatalities on this stretch of road.
The Territory Government is continually undertaking audits and assessments on the major highways of the Northern Territory.
The Territory has a unique road network with long distances and low traffic volume. With the implementation of this trial we are putting the responsibility back on motorists.
They need to be able to drive to the road conditions and their capabilities. This trial is not a licence to drive recklessly, dangerously or without due care.
Open speed limits mean driving to the road conditions – everyone should drive within their own capabilities, the condition of the road, prevailing weather conditions and the standard of their vehicle.
“Learner and provisional drivers and heavy vehicles will continue to be speed limited as they are now.
Be warned – police will be increasing their presence on this area of road. We will not tolerate reckless driving.
Peter Styles
Minister for Transport