Tis the end...

[Unluckyalf]

... of unrestricted speed limits on Australias Northern Territory roads.

As of the 1st of Jan, roads out of town will have maximum speed limit of 130kmh (around 80mph) Thats about an increase of 4 hours journey time on a trip from Darwin to Alice.

Probably wont mean much to most of you im sure but it was fun while it lasted!
The NT is the last place in Australia to restrict the speed on open roads.

Also, as a result they have now formed a Police traffic unit!

 

[Unluckyalf]

Until they get the helicopters out and you get sent down for 2 years

The new traffic unit they created only has 8 cars and 4 motorbikes for the whole of the NT. No helecopters here yet. There was even discussion about the Hospital having one but there arent enough serious accidents out of town to warrant one.
Saying that, once the $$$s start rolling in from the fines (that are being doubled on Jan 1st btw) then im sure a chopper will be on the cards.

The accident rate on the open highway isnt that bad i dont think. Its in town where alcohol and high powered cars are mixed there becomes a problem. We have strict drink driving laws here but they just dont seem to have been enforced at all until recently.
Apparently the NT has the highest risk in the developed world for being killed in a car accident, but then we do have the problem of Aboriginal folk sleeping on the tarmac because its nice and warm

Still, at least we dont have demerit points (yet) but the fines are going to be a bit hard..
Alcohol-related offences below 0.08 – fines doubled

* Fine increased from $100 to $200 for drink-driving offences

Speeding – all fines doubled

* Up to 15km/h – increased from $50 to $100
* Over 15km/h up to 30km/h – increased from $100 to $200
* Over 30km/h up to 45km/h – increased from $150 to $300
* Over 45km/h – additional ‘fine only' penalty of $500

Not wearing seatbelts – all fines doubled

* Driver or adult fails to wear seatbelt – increased from $100 to $200
* Driver fails to ensure person under 16 years wears seatbelt – increased from $120 to $240

Running traffic lights – fines increased

* Fail to obey red light – increased from $120 to $240
* Fail to obey yellow light – increased from $80 to $100

Repeat drink-driving offences – suspension of driver's licence

Regardless of any later court penalty:

* Immediate suspension for 3 months for second offence within 3 years
* Immediate suspension for 6 months for any subsequent offence within 3 years


Demerit point system

* Introduction of a demerit point system based on the national model