The NRMA says no to speed limit drop

The NRMA has told the federal government it “does not support arbitrary changes to speed limits or speed zones”, as the department in charge of transport ponders a blanket reduction to open road speeds.

Empty road in forest, urban city skyline, 80km speed limit sign

According to some reports, a speed limit as low as 70km/h has been discussed as Australia searches for ways to lower the national road toll.

The government conducted a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) as part of a proposal to reduce the default open road speed limit outside built-up areas and invited comment from the NRMA.

In its response, the NRMA said it was committed to reducing road trauma across Australia and acknowledged speed as a contributing factor in crashes in regional areas, but did not believe the RIA showed sufficient evidence to support a drop in the open road speed limit.

According to the NRMA’s response: “Any provisions relating to speed limit settings must be underpinned by a clear, evidence-based framework. Decisions on speed limits should be informed by detailed assessments of road performance, including crash history, traffic volumes, engineering design, safety ratings and congestion.”

Any provisions relating to speed limit settings must be underpinned by a clear, evidence-based framework

— The NRMA

The NRMA is also concerned regional and remote communities will not support the proposed blanket reductions to open road default
speed limits.

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport is inviting community feedback on a proposed change to speed limits, which may range between 70 and 90 km/h depending on the road type.

Individuals and organisations are encouraged to submit their feedback by 10 November, when the consultation period will close.

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