Revenue Raising
Sunday, January 21, 2001
NSW has been on the 50 kph road limit while Vic has been on the 60 kph, but NSW has had much the worse road toll. So don’t think this speed reduction is any magic cure.
In Melbourne’s wider, flatter streets, 50 kph is going to seem awfully slow. This was the speed fifty years ago. Cars and brakes have changed greatly since then. In fact, people are going to find it hard to stay under 50, and I predict an increase in tailgating and rear-end collisions, with impatient drivers getting too close to those trying to avoid a fine.
Will there be fewer accidents? No. Is the state going to make millions more in fines? Yes. Is this money going to be spent improving road safety? No. Is this money going to be simply added to the revenue already being raised though penalties? Yes.
Philip O'Carroll