A planned Queensland Government review that could increase speed limits in the State will not improve safety, Transport Workers Union says
June 4, 2013
A planned Queensland Government review that may lead to increases to speed limits across the State has run into opposition from the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson has drawn the ire of the union following his announcement that speed limits may be increased if it is safe to do so.
Emerson says the review, which forms part of a $350 million road safety plan, will be the first in almost 20 years and involve consultation with the community and road safety experts.
He says the Government will call for nominations to review limits on up to 100 roads, but TWU State Secretary Peter Biagini claims an increase to speed limits will put more pressure on drivers to drive further and faster on substandard roads.
“Raising Queensland’s speeds limits is not the answer to improving road safety,” he says.
“Queensland needs quality multi-lane roads to cater for our road transport needs before speed limits are raised.”
Biagini says a roundtable of key stakeholders should be brought together to discuss any proposed changes before they are implemented.
“We need a genuine commitment and considered response because we are experiencing one of Queensland’s worst road tolls in years, couple that with increased speed limits and it makes no sense,” he says.
The road safety plan will include $2 million a year for a community road safety fund to address local issues, $1.6 million over three years to expand an alcohol and risk-related trauma injury awareness program and $480,000 over three years to educate Queensland high school students of the risks involved with vehicles.
Emerson says the plan is being funded from speed and red light camera revenue.
