$98m works package to deliver safety upgrades to SA roads

A $98 million investment on a new road safety package has been announced by the South Australian Government to help address the high casualty numbers on state roads. 

Over half of this investment will be spent on new road safety infrastructure, including $40 million to upgrade the Mount Barker roundabout at the intersection of Adelaide, Alexandrina, Wellington and Flaxley roads – expected to be completed by June 2026. 

“The Mount Barker region is set to reach a population of almost 50,000 by the mid 2030s, and the Malinauskas Labor Government is investing in its future accordingly. 

“This roundabout is a much-needed traffic fix for this major intersection and will support nearby residential developments within the Mount Barker urban growth area and the broader Mount Barker area by improving safety, traffic flow and access for all road users. It will also reduce the potential for road crashes, including right angle and right turn crashes,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said. 

The works will include upgrading the intersection to increase its capacity, delivery of shared use paths, stormwater drainage improvements and installation of street lights. 

The almost $100 million investment also includes $10 million to be spent over four years on rural road targeted initiatives such as audio tactile line marking, safety barriers and rural junction activated warning system signage. 

The package will also deliver $17.8 million for about 15 new mobile speed cameras and the replacement of around 16 fixed speed and red light cameras with newer technology. 

“We are committed to reducing lives lost and serious injuries on South Australian Roads. 

“This comprehensive road safety package includes more funding for road safety infrastructure with a focus on enforcing the key problem area of speeding and drover distraction on our roads. 

“Speed and inattention have already claimed too many lives. We make no apologies for compelling drivers to slow down and keep their eyes on the road,” Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said. 

Police have advised that speeding and dangerous driving – including disobeying traffic lights, stop signs and give way signs – continue to be contributing causes of fatal crashes on State roads. Around 31 per cent of lives lost have been attributed to over speeding and 27 per cent to dangerous driving just this year alone. 

Installing mobile speed cameras will help in enforcing speed limits in regional areas. The cameras are due to be operational in 2024. This initiative is expected to increase expiation revenue by $17.1 million annually (indexed) from 2024-25. 

All revenue from speed cameras and mobile phone detection cameras will be returned to the Community Road Safety Fund which, in turn, will fund road safety initiatives such as policing, infrastructure projects and network improvements, education and training programs, road safety campaigns, road safety community grants and bike education in schools. 

An additional $13.4 million will also be allocated on an expected 10 additional mobile phone detection cameras that will help deter dangerous behaviour on the road, doubling the number of mobile phone detection cameras currently budgeted for installation. This is projected to increase expiation revenue by $7.6 million in 2023-24, increasing to $21.1 million annually (indexed) from 2026-27. 

Over the past five years, distraction has been deemed as one of the leading contributors to fatal crashes on state roads, as advised by the SA police. 

Fines for drivers using hand-held mobile phones while driving will be reduced to $52, aligning with the fine for red traffic light offence to reflect the seriousness of the offence. From July 1, the fine will be $540 plus the Victim of Crime levy. 

The multi-million-dollar road safety package also includes: 

• $6.2 million for road safety campaigns in an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injuries 
• $6.2 million over four years for Kangaroo Island road improvements and maintenance 
• $3.8 million to deliver the motorcycle Roder Safe reform program which focuses on awareness, judgement and decision-making. This will boost the existing rider safe program with the aim of improving the skills of learner motorcyclists and reducing the number of motorcycle crashes 
• $494,000 to implement a new licensing scheme for ultra-high powered vehicles. Drivers will be required to comply with specific training and other requirements, similar to motorcycle and truck licences 

In total, the 2023-24 State Budget will provide $406.2 million to upgrade and maintain regional roads. 

“Our Government has talked the talk with road safety since coming into power and now with this $98 million comprehensive package, we’re walking the walk. 

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re a driver, a passenger, a cyclist, a pedestrian or any other road user, there is no excuse for not paying attention on our roads. 

“This significant package that covers all aspects of road safet will go leaps and bounds to keeping South Australians and visitors safe on our roads,” Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Joe Szakacs said. 

Source: Government of South Australia – News; Roads & Infrastructure Australia