Northern Territory government in Australia lifts speed limits to ensure that drivers drive safely on highways

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In a move to ensure motorists are responsible on the roads, the Northern Territory government in Australia will be expanding its open speed limit zones, this effectively means that it is doing away with speed limits, CarAdvice reports. Is this reverse psychology or what?

An open speed limit trial began in February 2014 with much success, there were fewer accidents in sections where the trials took place and the 130 km/h zones. Now, another 60 km stretch of the Stuart Highway, north of Alice Springs to the Ali Curung rail overpass will have its speed limit lifted.

Northern Territory chief minister Adam Giles said “the expansion of open speed limit zones is part of the Country Liberals’ commitment to give back responsibility to the individual.” He added that based on traffic data, 85% of drivers were travelling within the 133 km/h to 139 km/h range during the trial, just slightly over the 130 km/h speed limit.

The new 60 km stretch is in between the other two zones which also has an open speed limit – the 200 km stretch between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek and the 72 km highway of Barrow Creek, south of the Ali Curung overpass. The local government believes that with the open speed limit zones, the onus will lie with motorists themselves to judge their own limitations when travelling at high-speeds.

Since it took off in early 2014 last year, only 11 accidents have been recorded so far, none of which were fatal. It was reported that out of the 11, only one severe injury was registered, however an exception can be made as the driver was driving under the influence and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

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Graham Chin

Having spent a number of years as a journalist for a local paper, a marketing executive for a popular German automotive brand and a copywriter, Graham, a true-blue Sarawakian, knew he had to take the leap back into the motoring scene - and so he did. To him, nothing’s better than cruising for hours along a scenic route, in a car that’s designed and built for that purpose.

 

Comments

  • reckless driving will kill u..if your car is properly maintained and u drive fast (not overly fast) but u are in control u should be fine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • Sgt Scoop on Oct 26, 2015 at 10:02 am

    Come on, Najib. You know it makes sense.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Ongtk on Oct 26, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Here in Malaysia, the regulator’s retarded mentality is always to set ridiculous speed limit on our highways to avoid road fatalities. But on the contrary, our speed limit is set with the intention of filling the government coffers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 7
  • Social experiment, remove the speed limit for now at one area to study people. The data and knowledge they gain will be used against the us in the future.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • gaviny on Oct 26, 2015 at 10:30 am

    Lol, those that support it for here, do you know what’s in nothern territory in australia ?

    NOTHING

    just long long expanse of straight roads that some parts the tarmac disappears even.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 3
    • kadajawi (Member) on Oct 27, 2015 at 1:12 am

      In Germany there is a lot, and not having speed limits still helps keeping accident rates down. It just makes sense, when people drive very fast, or you have to expect others driving very fast, people have to pay more attention to their surroundings.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • azhar on Oct 26, 2015 at 10:47 am

    in malaysia the accident will increase if its implemented..sadly most motorist still in 3rd world mentality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
    • kadajawi (Member) on Oct 27, 2015 at 1:24 am

      This is a great way to teach people proper behavior. Though the police will also have to patrol on the highways to fine those who don’t know how to behave. For example those not sticking to the slow lane unless overtaking.

      And one more problem is Japanese cars. They aren’t built for high speeds… steering too light etc.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • rosdi on Oct 26, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Rugi la lift speed limit… how can AES earns money like that??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • autobarbarian on Oct 26, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    Hi Admins, the picture shown is actually in Melbourne,Victoria not northern territory….
    northern territory is quite ulu

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
 

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