An open speed limit trial may see parts of the NT Start Highway become open speed limit zones
A year-long open-speed limit trial in Northern Territory has come to an end with the State Government to analyse the results.
The Northern Territory Government began the open-speed limit trial on the Stuart Highway on February 1, 2014.
Following this initial twelve month period, the Department of Transport will now undertake a review of the trial to determine its success and future viability.
In the meantime, the open speed limit conditions will remain in place.
The review will include an analysis of vehicle type and speed, vehicle crash data and enforcement data.
The Department of Transport has also undertaken a road user survey to gain an understanding of the experiences of road users and their views on the investment made to improve road safety along the trial section of the road.
Minister for Transport Matt Conlan says while data analysis is still being finalised for the last quarter, road users have generally behaved very well during the trial period.
“It was pleasing to see that Territorians have acted responsibly with the open speed limits trial. A review process will now be undertaken so government can assess all facets of the trial,” he says.
“The Territory Government will wait to see the review before we make any decisions about making the open speed limit zones permanent or looking at other locations for open speed limits.”
The open speed limit trial applies to a 204 kilometre stretch of road, starting 37 kilometres south of Barrow Creek extending to 10 kilometres north of Alice Springs.
An extension was added to include a 72 kilometre stretch of road between the Ali Curung Rail Overpass to just north of Barrow Creek.