DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
FACT SHEET – Trial of Open Speed Limit
The Northern Territory Government has announced a trial of revised speed limits on a 200 kilometre stretch of road
on the Stuart Highway between Barrow Creek and Alice Springs
Location
From 37km south of Barrow Creek to about 10k north of Alice (Tanami Road turnoff)
(Chainage 1266 to Chainage 1470)
Commencement of trial
The trial is expected to commence February 1, 2014. The changes will be effective once regulatory amendments
have been made and road enhancements to the section have been completed.
Road enhancements
Enhancements to the existing road will include the installation of signage, refreshing existing line markings, applying
raised reflective pavement markers on curves and areas of increased crash risk, and removing hazards, such as
trees along the roadside.
Signage and Communications
A comprehensive communications strategy will be developed, in consultation with appropriate stakeholders.
This will include safety signage placed at the commencement and closure of the trial section, and signage advising
motorists of the change to conditions along the 200km stretch of road.
Completion of Trial
The trial of revised speed limits will run for one year and will be assessed on a statistical road safety basis.
Learner and Provisional licence holders and heavy vehicle drivers
This trial does not alter the current speed restrictions applying to Learner and Provisional licence holders or to heavy
vehicle drivers. Learner drivers will still need to drive at under 80 km/h and Provisional and heavy vehicle drivers at
under 100km/h.
Road Safety
Everyone, regardless of the posted speed limit should drive within their own capabilities.
All drivers must consider their own driving experience, their experience on the road they are driving upon and the
condition of that road, as well as prevailing weather conditions and the standard of their vehicle.
We have improved legislation around Seatbelts and Child restraints – Police had a blitz on this a few weeks ago.
We have reduced speed limits on Stuart Highway at Jenkins Road in response to community concerns and on the
Arnhem Highway.
Our DriveSafe NT and DriveSafe NT Remote programs are changing lives and saving lives, one licence at a time
And the Sober Bob campaign continues successfully.
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In addition the NT Government is implementing a range of road safety measures including:
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Increased enforcement of alcohol related offences
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Expanded vehicle impounding and forfeiture regime
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Remote bus trial program
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And ongoing road safety education and awareness.
Road Safety data on the Stuart Highway
The major contributing factor to deaths and injuries on the four major Territory Highways over the past ten years is
not wearing a seatbelt (63%), and alcohol (31%).
There have been six fatalities in the last ten years on this stretch of road; however none of these were directly
related to speed.
There have been zero speed related deaths and 62 people have been seriously injured on this stretch of road in the
past 10 years.
Road Houses
Government has also introduced a new policy for the setting of speed limits near road houses on major highways
and arterial roads.
These new speed limits have been determined based on access arrangements, visibility, setbacks from roads and
level of pedestrian activity.
The speed limit at the majority of roadhouses on the Stuart, Barkly and Victoria Highways will reduce from
predominantly 130 km/h to between 80 and 100km/h.
The exception to this is the Aileron Roadhouse which will remain at 130km/h will, as there are no access, visibility,
setback or pedestrian issues associated with this roadhouse.
For media information, please contact Lesley Major on 08 8924 7287
For more information on policy changes, please contact Barbara Littler on 08 8924 7018
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
www.nt.gov.au
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
www.nt.gov.au
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
www.nt.gov.au
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