Highway speeds reduced

SPEED limits near roadhouses on Territory highways will be changed from today, the NT Government says.

The Government, which made the controversial decision in October to bring back the open speed limit on a section of highway north of Alice Springs, has cited safety concerns for attempting to slow cars approaching roadhouses.

Transport Minister Peter Styles said limits near roadhouses will be determined based on access, visibility, setbacks and the level of pedestrian activity.

At most roadhouses on the Stuart, Barkly and Victoria highways, speeds will reduce from 130km/h to between 80km/h and 100km/h from today.

‘‘Safety is our priority and we have determined the need to change these speed limits,’’ Transport Minister Peter Styles said yesterday.

Mr Styles said road-safety improvement works were progressing on the section of the Stuart Highway, between Barrow Creek and Alice Springs, where the Government plans to trial open speed limits next year.

He said the trial would not be a licence to drive recklessly or without due care.

Labor has expressed concerns and called on the Government to release four reports conducted before the decision was made to proceed with the trial.