Lobbying efforts seen as bearing fruit on mobile detection policy
Fixed warning signs for mobile speed cameras will start rolling out across New South Wales this month – a reversal on an earlier decision by the state government to remove these signs, the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) reported.
It comes after the association and other lobbying efforts emphasising that every enforcement camera tackling speed in NSW must have a warning sign to remind all drivers to do the right thing and check their speed, NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said.
“Appropriate warnings are an essential part of road traffic enforcement, as is upgrading of road infrastructure,” he said.
“NatRoad wants further changes to be made to the signage and laws relating to speeding.
“Inconsistency in speed limits and signage is one of the biggest frustrations for truck drivers.”
How the camera warning issue surfaced, here
Better infrastructure is also an essential part of traffic safety, Clark emphasised.
“While applying a lower speed limit for trucks on risky stretches of road such as the notorious Mount Ousley descent near Wollongong, is well-meaning, it’s a second-best solution.
“Heavy and light vehicles need to be separated wherever possible – which is why NSW Government improvements to the Mount Ousley interchange are welcome and should be a solution that’s rolled out elsewhere.
“Better infrastructure saves lives.
“That is also why NatRoad welcomes the other announcement by the NSW Government about the roll-out of audio tactile line markings, flexible safety barriers, wide centre lines, speed humps and raised pedestrian crossings.”
The NSW Government has also indicated that 17 kilometres of flexible median barrier will be installed on the Kamilaroi Highway from Baan Baa to Turrawan by 2023, and more than 2,000 kilometres of rumble strips are going on to the Newell Highway from Tocumwal to Boggabilla by 2022.
“Providing adequate warnings about speed cameras and improved infrastructure can only benefit road safety,” Clark said.