End of speed limit signs to be abolished in Tasmania

Date: 5/9/2012

The state of Tasmania in Australia is to stop using signs stating the end of speed limits, as they are seen to be confusing.

Instead the authorities are to follow the recommendations set out by the (RSAC) Road Safety Advisory Council, which suggest that erecting signs with the actual speed limit on them are more effective.

The end of speed limit signs are based on the concept of a default speed limit, but as this varies in different states it can be unclear to drivers at which speed they should be driving.

David O'Byrne, the Infrastructure Minister, announced the plans as part of the Safer Roads: Non-Urban Road Network Strategy, which is being implemented in Tasmania.

Another issue to be under debate as part of the strategy is whether the speed limit should remain the same on rural roads or be brought down from its current 100 kilometres per hour level.

Mr O'Byrne said that local councils would be involved in identifying which routes are most commonly used and whether they can cope with the higher speed limit.

Darren Hine, the Police Commissioner, said: "Any strategy that helps reduce the road toll is certainly a benefit to Tasmania."

"All the research certainly indicates that it will contribute to making our roads even safer which can only be a good thing."

The moves have been praised by (RACT) the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania, which have lobbied for the end of the signs and an improvement in rural road safety.

Harvey Lennon, Chief Executive Officer of RACT, said: "We are also pleased that the end speed limit signs will be replaced with improved signage, as our members have consistently told us that they find these signs confusing."

Mr O'Byrne said that the changes, which are hoped to be in place by 2013, will improve travelling in Tasmania for the public and industry and help to save lives on the road.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News