‘Zero deaths’ target: The $100m plan to tackle SA’s spiralling road toll

The state budget will include nearly $100m to make SA’s roads safer and tackle the spiralling road toll, including upgrades and new speed cameras.

Nearly $100m will be invested in South Australian roads as the government attempts to tackle the state’s spiralling road toll.

Fifty nine have died on South Australian roads already this year, 17 higher than the five-year average and well above figures for the same time over the past three years.

More than half of the $98m funding package will dedicated to new road safety infrastructure, including $40 million to upgrade the Mount Barker roundabout at the intersection of Adelaide, Alexandrina, Wellington and Flaxley Roads, with completion expected by June 2026.

The scope of works includes upgrading the intersection to increase capacity from all roads, provision of shared use paths, stormwater drainage improvements and installation of street lights.

The roundabout at the intersection of Adelaide, Flaxley, Wellington and Alexandrina roads at Mount Barker will be upgraded.

A car involved in a fatal smash on the Dukes Highway at Ki Ki in the state's southeast. Fifty nine have died on South Australian roads already this year, 17 higher than the five year average. Picture: 7NEWS

A further $10 million will be spent over four years on targeted road safety initiatives on rural roads, including audio tactile line marking, safety barriers and rural junction activated warning systems to alert country drivers of approaching intersections.

And the funding is bad news for speeders, with $17.8 million earmarked for approximately 15 new mobile speed cameras and the replacement of an anticipated 16 fixed speed and red light cameras with newer technology.

A further $13.4 million will be spent on an anticipated 10 additional mobile phone detection cameras to deter dangerous behaviour. This would more than double the number of mobile phone detection cameras currently budgeted for installation and is projected to increase expiation revenue by $7.6 million in 2023‐24, increasing to an indexed figure of $21.1 from 2026‐27.

However the fines for drivers who use handheld mobile phones while driving will actually be reduced by $52 to align with the fine for a red traffic light offence. The fine will be $540, plus the Victims of Crime levy, from July 1.

Police minister Joe Szakacs. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tricia Watkinson

Police minister Joe Szakacs said the package was an example of the government “walking the walk” when it came to road safety.

“The road toll and number of serious injuries this year is simply unacceptable,” Mr Szakacs said.

“The state government has an ambitious goal of zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2050, and this package shows our commitment to that cause.

School-based apprentice Charley Dix, 17, at the official opening of the MTA's EV Training Centre. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Kelly Barnes

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re a driver, a passenger, a cyclist, a pedestrian or any other road user, there is no excuse for not paying attention on our roads.

“This significant package is designed to keep South Australians and visitors safe on our roads.”

In a separate announcement, $9m has been earmarked to help TAFE SA, not-for-profit and industry-based training providers invest in new infrastructure, equipment and technology to support the delivery of training in areas of skill shortage and demand.

The announcement was made at the Motor Trades Association’s new Electric Vehicle Training Centre in Royal Park, where upgraded facilities and new equipment will deliver new courses in zero and low emission vehicle training.