Variable message signs direct Territorians towards safer road use

The NT and federal governments are installing a series of variable message signs across the Territory. Find out how this benefits motorists.

A series of variable message signs across the NT will play a key role in keeping Territorians safe on the road.

The project, which includes 30 signs across the NT, would provide key traffic information to motorists.

Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the message boards would only operate when necessary.

“If there has been a crash, heavy traffic or other hazards ahead on the roads, these signs will give drivers early warning so they can consider alternative routes,” she said.

“We know people don’t always listen to the radio, they play their music as they’re driving along.”

The majority of the $11m project was funded by the federal government, with 20 per cent funded by the NT government.

Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the signs would provide real-time updates to motorists. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Ms Lawler said the signs had garnered public commentary since their development over the past few weeks.

“A few conspiracies, but they are all about making sure that motorists have the latest information,” she said.

NT motorists took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the new signs.

“Radio is no good for the Deaf,” wrote Chris Blackham-Davison.

“This will be good as we Deafie (sic) will get the alert visually.”

“Frankly, I’m happy about the signs, gives you notice of stupid accidents ahead so you can turn off instead of getting stuck for hours in traffic,” said Katrina Stuart.

Many expressed concern about the presence of CCTV cameras atop the signs and the project’s cost.

“If they spent that money on fixing bad roads it would have been so much better,” said Mick Bone.

There will be 30 variable message signs across the NT. Picture: Supplied

Ms Lawler said the signs had been placed in researched areas that were identified as critical to making decisions on the road.

“Whether you need to stop, whether you need to turn off,” she said.

“For example, we’ve seen a fire at Barkly Homestead, and it may just say something like, ‘you cannot get fuel for the next 500 kilometres, you need to fuel up or turn back and fuel up at Mount Isa or Camooweal’.”

Ms Lawler said the signs would not require a lot of maintenance and were solar powered.

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Originally published as Variable message signs direct Territorians towards safer road use