‘Disgraceful’ road toll in crosshairs as NT road safety plan released
With the Territory on track for its deadliest year on the roads in more than a decade, police are launching a safety crack down. Here’s the plan to bring the road toll toward zero.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
More police will be patrolling Territory roads in a six week blitz attempting to stem this year’s “disgraceful” road toll.
Just halfway through the year 40 people have died on Northern Territory roads, compared with 31 lives lost for the entirety of 2023.
“People need to start taking responsible action when behind the steering wheel, we have an outrageous level of lives lost to date,” NT Police Acting Divisional Superintendent Paul Wood said.
Mr Wood said one police road sting on Wednesday found 24 vehicles breaking the law.
“People need to start paying attention to their own welfare and the welfare of the community – I will reiterate: this is everyone’s responsibility.”
The increased police presence on the roads began last Friday, and will involve more random breath tests, roadside drug tests, and roving speed cameras.
“We’ll be anywhere, any time,” Mr Wood said.
The per capita road fatality rate in the Northern Territory is 3.2 times the national rate and the highest in Australia, an average of 40 people losing their lives each year on NT roads.
The Towards Zero Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028, released on Thursday, sets out target areas to reduce the tragic statistics.
Thirty commitments are made in the report, including to review speed limits, implement more safety cameras and breath tests, and investigate the benefits of refresher driving courses.
Infrastructure Minister Joel Bowden said while the government accepted the 30 recommendations, it was unlikely any changes would be implemented in the seven days until the caretaker period begins before the NT election.
With 41 per cent of fatalities involving alcohol, pressure is mounting for Territory laws to be updated to match the rest of the country and prohibit drivers’ from drinking while behind the wheel.
Mr Bowden condemned the practice but would not commit to any legislative change.
“I know the current rules and the current laws allow that, but don’t take the risk and don’t drink and drive, because if you drink and drive you’re a bloody idiot.”
The Road Safety report identified Litchfield as the deadliest local government area.
Mr Bowden said part of the speed limit review would include considering whether to reduce the 130km/h speed limit through the area.
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘Disgraceful’ road toll in crosshairs as NT road safety plan released
Police respond to second fatal crash in less than 24 hours
A driver has died in a fatal collision in Darwin, less than 24 hours after a separate crash killed a teenage boy in Katherine.
Wild wasp chase leads to unexpected discovery for photographers
A two year wait after a wild wasp chase in the Northern Territory has ended for a pair of wildlife photographers, who have received confirmation they have discovered a new species. Find out more.
‘Urgent’ calls to review Native Title
Coalition senators are expected to renew their calls to grill Aboriginal Corporations and Land Councils in the Federal parliament this week.
Tragic death at NT childcare centre considered for inquest
The death of a toddler at a childcare centre on the fringes of Darwin remains under investigation 12 months after the tragedy shook the Territory.
‘Complete shock’: Popular Red Centre resort to close to the public
Holiday-makers have reacted with sadness and disbelief at news a beloved resort visited by generations of Territorians will now only be available for functions and group bookings. Here’s what we know so far.
Teen driver dead in single-vehicle crash on the Stuart Hwy
A 17-year-old boy has died after his vehicle crashed south of Katherine in the early hours of the morning. Police have not said whether any causative factors were identified.