A new road safety package to deal against South Australia’s high road toll has been announced as part of the 2023-24 State Budget delivered by the Treasurer last week (15 June).
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan announced that $98 million would be allocated in the year ahead to defeat the rate of road deaths which, at 59 so far this year, was higher than the five-year average.
“South Australians are alarmed at the jump in the state’s road toll this year and the budget responds with additional effort to keep drivers safe on our roads,” Mr Mullighan said.
“This comprehensive road safety package includes more funding for road safety infrastructure with a focus on enforcing the key problem area of speeding and driver distraction on our roads,” he said.
“Speed and inattention have already claimed too many lives and these measures are designed to compel drivers to slow down and keep their eyes on the road.”
Mr Mullighan said the new road safety package would include more funding for road safety infrastructure focussed on enforcing the key problem areas of speeding and driver distraction on the roads.
He said Police advised that speeding and dangerous driving – including disobeying traffic lights, stop signs and give way signs – continue to be major contributing causes of fatal crashes on South Australian roads.
They said 31 per cent of lives lost have been attributed to excessive speed and 27 per cent attributed to dangerous driving so far this year.
Mobile speed cameras are to assist in enforcing speed limits in regional areas, where the majority of fatal crashes occur including 60 per cent of all lives lost this year.
“The cameras are expected to be operational in 2024,” Mr Mullighan said.
“The initiative is projected to increase expiation revenue by $17.1 million per annum (indexed) from 2024‐25. All revenue from speed cameras and mobile phone detection cameras is returned to the Community Road Safety Fund,” he said.
“The fund allocates money towards road safety initiatives such as policing, infrastructure projects and network improvements (such as black spots), education and training programs, road safety campaigns, road safety community grants and bike education in schools.”
The full summary of the State Budget 2023-24 can be accessed at this PS News link.
