| 1 Jan 2009 | New GLS Initiatives |
| 14 Nov 2008 | New Child Restraint Laws |
| 23 Sept 2008 | $2m Safety Fence for Pt Wakefield Rd |
| 24 July 2008 | Black Spot Level Crossing Program |
| 21 July 2008 | More than One Train |
| | 1 | 2 | |
New initiatives for the Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS)
1 January 2009
The Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) will be strengthened for young drivers in South Australia with a range of new initiatives to be introduced to Parliament in the latter half of 2009.
The intitiatives will include:
- Increasing the current 50 hours of supervised driving required of learner drivers to 75 hours.
- Increasing the minimum time on a learner’s permit from 6 to 12 months.
- Prohibiting learner and P1 drivers from using any type of mobile phone function while driving.
- Considering a provisional (P1 & P2) driver restriction on driving high-powered cars (with an appropriate exemption system).
- Strengthening the current curfew conditions (applying to drivers returning from a serious disqualification) by restricting the carriage of passengers during the curfew times (midnight – 5am).
- Introducing two demerit points to replace licence disqualification as the penalty for failure to display P-plates.
- Replacing the current hardship appeal provision with the offer of a Good Behaviour Agreement.
The intiatives will require the approval of Parliament and if accepted are likely to come into effect in late 2010.
The intiative prohibiting Learner and P1 drivers from using any type of mobile phone function, including hands-free or bluetooth units while driving will come into effect in the first half of 2009 through a regulation change.
New Child Restraint Laws
14 November 2008
Transport Ministers from around Australia have agreed to amend the Australian Road Rules to introduce a mandatory size-appropriate restraint system for all children travelling in motor vehicles up to the age of seven years.
On 14 November 2008, the Minister for Road Safety announced that these rules will be implemented in South Australia.
$2m Safety Fence for Port Wakefield Road
23 September 2008
Thousands of motorists will benefit from a new wire rope safety fence being installed along a busy section of Port Wakefield Road, which carries more than 6,500 vehicles every day.
The Motor Accident Commission (MAC), the State and Federal Governments have jointly funded the $2 million initiative aimed at protecting motorists from the consequences of head-on crashes.
Construction work will occur daily between 7.00 am and 4.00 pm and while every effort will be made to reduce any disruption to motorists, speed restrictions will be in place. Motorists are asked to use extra care along Port Wakefield Road during the construction period.
Construction scheduled for completion by December this year.
Black Spot Level Crossing Program
24 July 2008
A new jointly funded level crossing improvement program between the State Government and the Local Government Association will deliver upgrades to a host of level crossing black spots right around South Australia.
In all, the program will see up to $4 million spent on making the regional network safer with local councils to apply for grants for projects such as improved warning More...signage, sight clearance, lighting upgrades, traffic schemes, crossing closures and road realignment.
More than One Train warning system up and running
21 July 2008
South Australia is the first State in Australia to introduce a warning system which will greatly improve safety for pedestrians at rail crossings.
The More Than One Train warning system is now operational at Emerson Station on the Noarlunga line.
Signs read Caution More Than One Train. They illuminate and sound an audible alarm to alert pedestrians when multiple trains are approaching.
The system will be installed at 17 sites across the metropolitan network – on all major rail lines including the Glenelg tram line.
- media release
- More than One Train campaign material
- Level Crossing Rail Safety