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A comprehensive road safety package has been approved to cut the Northern Territory’s devastating road toll.

 

Chief Minister Clare Martin said with one person being killed every week and nine seriously injured the Government had to act decisively – and that’s what it’s done.

 

“We’ve taken the tough decisions needed to reduce the number of people killed and also recognised the unique conditions of the Territory,” Ms Martin said.

 

“We’ve accepted all the principles of the NT Road Safety Taskforce Report, Safer Road Use: A Territory Imperative.

 

“The Stuart, Arnhem, Barkly and Victoria Highways will all have 130 km/h speed limits.

 

“After listening to Territorians I feel confident that the higher limit on our main highways recognises the unique circumstances in the NT.

 

“The speed limit on all other roads – unless signposted otherwise –

will be 110 km/h.

 

“Demerit points will be introduced to deter people from driving dangerously – they’ll be enforced by more police on our roads.

 

“Penalties will be dramatically increased for drink driving, speeding and not wearing seat belts – cameras will catch people who run red lights.

 

“Greater emphasis will be placed on road safety education in our schools and the dangers of fatigue - road safety officers will be introduced in four remote communities.

 

“I’d like to thank the Road Safety Taskforce for its thorough examination of road safety in the Northern Territory - we expect the changes to be implemented by the end of 2007.”

 

Media Contact: Richard O’Leary 08 8901 4120