CHIEF MINISTER APPEALS TO CANBERRA DRIVERS

A zero blood-alcohol limit for P-plate drivers, the capital's first ever point-to-point road safety cameras and a roadwork blitz on safety black spots are some of the initiatives that will roll out over the coming months, as the ACT Government responds to a horror year on Canberra roads.

But Chief Minister and Minister for Transport Jon Stanhope said that physical and technological ‘fixes' could only go so far in reducing road accidents. There was also a need for a profound cultural change and a permanent alteration in driving behaviour.

After two more deaths over the weekend the ACT's road toll now stands at 17 - three more than the ACT's average yearly toll of 14.

Mr Stanhope said the latest deaths were a reminder to all Canberrans of the need to drive safely, drive according to the road conditions, be alert to other road users, and above all, to be conscious at every moment of the dreadful human toll of road crashes.

"It is crucial that each of us resolves to keep to the speed limit at all times and to obey road rules," Mr Stanhope said. "The rules are there for a reason. They are based on evidence. Abiding by them is the duty of each of us. I want drivers to really understand the toll of road crashes - an economic cost in our city alone that exceeds $220 million a year and a social, family and human cost that cannot be calculated."

Mr Stanhope said the Government was employing a range of tough new measures to target dangerous drivers and cut the road toll.

"L and P-plate drivers will face a zero blood-alcohol limit under the Government's new anti drink-driving laws, to be introduced later this year. Anyone charged with drink-driving will have to take part in alcohol awareness courses and tougher restrictions will apply to those seeking restricted licences.

"Canberra's first ever point-to-point road safety cameras have been funded in this year's Budget. And some of our most accident-prone sites are being upgraded with the help of the Federal Government's Black Spots program. Road safety campaigns are also being rolled out to remind Canberrans to drive safely and obey the road rules."

Mr Stanhope said the Government was also surveying drivers to determine the level of road safety awareness among Canberrans and target those areas where driver awareness was lacking

"'I want to send a clear message to the community: the carnage must stop, and it starts and ends with our own actions. I urge all drivers to make a commitment to themselves, and their families, to drive safely, obey the road rules and help prevent any further deaths on our roads."

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au