Ministers media releases

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50KM/H SPEED LIMIT FROM 1ST MARCH

Transport Minister Michael Wright has today launched a major education and advertising campaign for the March 1st statewide introduction of the 50 km/h default speed limit - a key element of the Rann Labor Government’s road safety measures aimed at reducing the road toll.

A television and radio campaign informing South Australians about the change to the new speed limit will begin this Friday, February 14th..

Mr Wright says from March 1st, the 50 km/h limit will apply in all built-up areas – both metropolitan and country – unless there is a sign indicating a higher or lower speed limit.

“The default speed limit will apply in all built up areas across the State – that is where there is housing, businesses, factories and generally speaking, with street lighting – with most streets not sign-posted. In other words, if you are in an urban area and there are no speed signs, the speed limit is 50 km/h.”

“Streets and roads where the speed limit is higher or lower than 50 km/h will be clearly marked with speed limit signs. Main roads, road works, 40 km/h areas, 25 km/h school zones and children’s crossings will all be signed appropriately, with the speed limits that apply to all major roads such as highways and arterial roads remaining unchanged.”

“On major roads that act as key traffic routes, signs can be expected at the start of the road, near major intersections and at regular intervals.”

Mr Wright says the introduction of the lower limit will greatly improve safety on our streets for pedestrians and cyclists due largely to the improved stopping distances of a slower vehicle speed.

“The lower limit will also improve the amenity of our residential streets, and bring South Australia up to the national standard with all other States having adopted a 50 km/h speed limit. Australian and international research shows that even a small reduction in vehicle speed can significantly reduce the number of deaths and severe injuries on our roads.”

A study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre in Victoria into that State’s switch to a 50 km/h default speed limit found:

• A 13 per cent reduction in all casualty crashes involving all road users
  
• A 22 per cent reduction in casualty crashes involving pedestrians
  
• A 40-46 per cent reduction in serious pedestrian casualty crashes that required hospital admission

Mr Wright says people wanting further information about the 50 km/h speed limit can visit www.transport.sa.gov.au or call Transport SA on 1300 360 067 (cost of local call) or check with SA Police Traffic Enquiries on (08) 8207 6586.