The conversion to a metric speed system (km/h) in January 2005 from the old imperial system (mph) resulted in a major change in speed limits in the state. As well as the change to kilometres, the specific speed limits and vehicle-specific speed limits were amended to reflect the changing road transport system. The speed limit on motorways changed from 70 mph to 120km/h (equivalent to 75 mph); on dual carriageways and national roads from 60 mph to 100 km/h (62 mph); on inter-urban regional and local roads from 60 mph to 80 km/h (50 mph). In terms of urban areas, the 30 mph speed limit was changed to 50 km/h (equivalent to 31 mph), and the 40 mph speed limit to 60 km/h (37 mph). In addition to these road type specific speed limit changes, vehicle-specific speed limits were also changed to km/h. The speed limits applying to single-deck buses, towing vehicles and trucks (over 3,500 kg gross weights) were changed from 50 mph to 80 km/h, while the speed limit applicable to double deck buses went from 40 mph to 65 km/h. This survey was taken a full 18 months after the date of the metric introduction and drivers would be expected to more familiar and more used to the new limits in 2006 than they were in 2005. In 1999 the National Roads Authority commissioned ARUP Consulting Engineers and Pavement Management Services (PMS) to undertake separate surveys of free speeds in rural areas and in urban areas and also seat-belt wearing rates. Three reports were subsequently published (Free Speeds on Rural Roads 1999; Free Speeds on Urban Roads 1999 and Seat-belt Wearing Rates 1999). The National Roads Authority in 2002, 2003 and 2005 carried out nationwide surveys of free speeds (Urban and Rural) and seat-belt wearing rates which were based on the methodology outlined in the 1999 reports. The Road Safety Authority carried out national surveys in relation to seat belt wearing and traffic speeds for the first time in 2006. The methodology developed for and used by the National Roads Authority in all previous surveys are applied to this survey except that observations for motorcycles are now included for the first time. Survey results are used to monitor trends, determine the effectiveness of safety initiatives and to inform the on-going review of public policy in relation to road safety. (Author/publisher)
Abstract