Northern Territory to trial roads without speed limits

[Wretched]

Outback speed limits will be abolished on a 200 kilometre stretch of the Stuart Highway as part of a 12 month trial that starts in February 2014.

Northern Territory transport minister Peter Styles says the outback drive between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek was an ideal place for the trial.

“The Territory has a unique road network with a low traffic volume and this section of road has been identified as an appropriate trial section,” he says. “In the ten years between 2001-2011 there wasn’t any speed related fatalities on this stretch of road.”

The current maximum speed limit throughout the Northern Territory is 130km/h.
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Mr Styles says the limitless road was not an invitation for people to drive recklessly.

“We are bringing responsibility back to motorists – they need to be able to drive to the road conditions and their capabilities,” he says. “Be warned, police will continue to prosecute those who drive in a dangerous manner, and will be increasing enforcement of the non-wearing of seatbelts and drink driving which remain the major causes of fatalities and serious injuries on Territory roads.”

Learner and provisional drivers will have to adhere to limits placed on their licences, and heavy vehicles will continue to face restrictions.

The Country Liberal Party currently holds power in the Territory, and it has moved to overturn blanket speed limits introduced by previous Labor leadership.

NT Chief Minister Adam Giles told Fairfax Media in May that reviews of speed limits will be evidence-based.

Mr Styles says authorities will study the outcomes of the 12-month trial that starts on February 1, 2014.

Ray Wyatt, branch secretary for the Transport Workers’ Union in South Australia and the Northern Territory, did not welcome news of the trial.

“Life is more valuable than people going quicker from A to B,” he says. “The faster you go, the more damage will occur in an accident. It raises the risk.”

Nearly 2000 Queenslanders petitioned their state government for increased speed limits earlier this year.

Open speed limits were abolished by the former Territory Labor Government in 2006 and replaced by a maximum limit of 130km/h. To 2012, more people died on Northern Territory roads (307) than in the six years before the change (292).

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...015-2vjzl.html

Well this is a good start.