Federal government consults on move to lower default speed limit

A proposal to lower the default speed limit from 100km/h to 70km/h could have widespread impact on the NT’s vast network of roads. HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL.

The federal government is asking for feedback on a proposal to lower to default speed limit from 100km/h to 70km/h in move that could have widespread impact on NT vast network of roads.

The federal government is asking for feedback on a proposal to lower the default speed limit from 100km/h to 70km/h in a move that could have widespread impact on the Northern Territory’s vast network of roads.

Default speed limits apply to roads without signposted speed limits – not busy roads such as freeways and main roads with clearly signed limits.

Currently the Australian Road Rules put the default speed limit on roads outside of built-up areas at 100km/h, and do not specify a default speed limit for unsealed roads.

The government is seeking feedback on a proposal to lower that default speed limit and to introduce a default speed limit for unsealed roads.

Sixty people died on NT roads last year, and across Australia speed remains the single most significant contributor to road trauma.

The analysis suggested 572 lives would be saved each year, and 9287 serious injuries avoided if the default speed on sealed roads was lowered to 70km/h.

Implementing the same 70km/h limit on unsealed roads would prevent a further 248 fatalities and 8847 serious injuries.

However the analysis also noted that 70km/h limits would bring about the greatest cost due to increased travel time for private travel and logistics.

Through the National Road Safety Action Plan 2023–25, all governments agreed that the Commonwealth would develop a regulatory impact analysis on reducing the default speed limit outside of built-up areas.

If accepted, it could lead to changes to the Australian Road Rules, which is a model law from which states and territories base their own road rules.

NT Infrastructure and Logistics Minister Bill Yan said the “CLP government will continue to monitor and decide appropriate speed limits for our unique jurisdiction”.

“Through the Towards Zero Action Plan, guided by the National Road Safety Strategy, we encourage Territorians to drive to conditions, avoid the fatal five (speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, driving distracted, or fatigued) and use our roads more safely,” he said.

Submissions for the speed limit regulatory impact analysis close on November 10.

Originally published as Federal government consults on move to lower default speed limit