The Northern Territory Government will investigate speed limits in the state as a trial starts early next year
October 17, 2013
The Northern Territory Government will start an investigation into speed limits next year with a trial of revised speed limits along 200km of highway.
A stretch of the Stuart Highway between Barrow Creek and Alice Springs will undergo a one year trial on revised speed limits from February.
Minister for Transport Peter Styles says the State Government is following through on its election commitment to undertake an evidence based approach on the return of open speed limits.
He says they are continually undertaking audits and assessments on the major highways and have recommended a section for the trial
which has
no identified road geometry issues and low crash numbers.
“The Territory has a unique road network with a low traffic volume and this section of road has been identified as an appropriate trial section,” he says.
“We are bringing responsibility back to motorists – they need to be able to drive to the road conditions and their capabilities.”
Styles reminds motorists the trial of revised speed limits 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,” he says.
“Learner and provisional drivers and heavy vehicles will continue to be speed limited as they are now.”
He says they will also be implementing a new policy for setting speed limits near roadhouses on major highways.
“Speed at roadhouses will be determined based on access arrangements, visibility, setbacks from roads and level of pedestrian activity.”
Police will also continue to prosecute those who drive in a dangerous manner, and will be increasing enforcement of people who aren’t wearing seatbelts and drink driving.