NSW government introduces tough road safety plans after deadly year on roads

Under the NSW government's new road safety plan, cameras will be able to catch drivers using their phones in an attempt to make the state's roads safer.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian Source: AAP

The horror NSW road toll in 2017 has prompted the premier to put a plan in place that will crack down on speeding, drink and drug-driving, driver distraction and fatigue.

Some 392 people died on NSW roads in 2017, the highest figure since 2010, prompting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to announce a range of tough new road safety measures on Tuesday.

Laws would be amended so cameras can be used to spot drivers on their phones, while people convicted of mid-range drink-driving would be forced to use alcohol-testing devices built into their vehicles.

The state government would also introduce 11 more heavy-vehicle average speed camera locations in Sydney and another $125 million would be spent on safety barriers and rumble strips throughout the state.

An inter-agency working group was assessing whether people should be allowed to drive while using prescription drugs.
That move came after the Falkholt family - including Home and Away actress Jessica - died following a horror Boxing Day crash on the NSW south coast.

The driver of the four-wheel drive which slammed into their car had a shocking driving history and was on his way home from a Nowra methadone clinic when the crash occurred.

Under the government plan, NSW Police will also be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines and licence suspensions for low-range drink-driving.


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NSW government introduces tough road safety plans after deadly year on roads | SBS News