Deaths on Northern Territory roads are more than three times the national average, even though fewer than 1% of Australians live in the territory. So far in 2018, 28 people have lost their lives, double the number of road deaths as at June 2017. The NT government is proposing to introduce point to point speed cameras.
Road toll by year
The road toll of 49 in 2015 was the highest in the last 6 years. While last year’s toll of 31 was the lowest for 5 years, this year’s toll is likely to exceed it:
- 28 at 20 June 2018 (14 at 20 June 2017)
- 31 in 2017
- 45 in 2016
- 49 in 2015
- 39 in 2014
- 37 in 2013.
AANT, the NT’s motoring body, says around 35% of these road deaths are speed related.
Government action plan
The NT government has launched a 5-year action plan to try and stop this tragedy. The plan includes harsher penalties for repeat offenders, better education and infrastructure, and installing point-to-point speed cameras.
Point to point speed cameras are also known as average speed cameras. Two separate fixed cameras, so many kilometres apart, measure the driver’s speed at each point. The idea is to measure “sustained” speeding. These cameras help stop so-called “halo” behaviour, where people slow down just for a camera.
The government expects it will be three to five years before it puts cameras on NT roads. Interestingly, the NSW Roads Minister recently knocked back a proposal for average speed cameras in NSW. She cited the need for personal responsibility and to avoid the perception of revenue raising.
See our blog, Latest response to NSW road toll.