Source: The Herald Sun, 4 April, 1997, p.3 Source: The Herald Sun, 4 April, 1997, p.3
By STFPHFN RROOK A UNIFORMLY lower speed limit of 50km/h in all residential streets will be imposed nationally if State and Territory governments accept a recommendation made yesterday by road safety experts. Transport ministers will consider the safety recommendation at the Australian Transport Council meeting in May. NSW Staysafe Committee chairman Mr Paul Gibson said yesterday that if the limit was implemented "we could nearly guarantee ... that somewhere between 30 and 50 people fewer will die on the roads in the next 12 months". Mr Gibson also said the recommendation had a "10 out of 10" chance of being implemented. The chairman of the Australian Transport Council, Tasmanian Roads Minister Mr John Cleary, said the transport ministers recognised the need for uniformity of speed limits. A uniform "double demerit" system-tested during Easter in NSW - may also be adopted nationally, Mr Cleary said. The NSW Government doubled the amount of points speeding motorists lost on their licence during the holiday break. Only three people died on NSW roads during Easter the lowest holiday road toll in NSW since 1949. "It would appear on the surface that it's been a very successful program," Mr Cleary said. "No doubt it will be something the ministers will consider further in May." The meeting also recommended the adoption of alcohol ignition interlock devices. The devices prevent drunk drivers starting their cars by requiring them to blow into a breathalyser on the dashboard before the car will start. If the driver is over the limit, the car will not start
Where to next?
Student Questions for this article
Teacher Discussion of this article
Index - Chance and Basic Probability