Press Release

RACT is pleased to see the Government taking some immediate action on its infrastructure and road safety election commitments in the 2010-11 State Budget.

"We particularly welcome $430,000 allocated in this Budget year to fund an alcohol interlocks program to tackle serious and repeat drink drivers," said Vince Taskunas, RACT's public policy spokesman.

"RACT will closely watch the newly-announced system of road construction planning and approval - the so-called Structured Infrastructure Investment Review Process.

"The Treasurer has personally assured the RACT that the Government's commitments contained in the Community Roads Package announced during the election, will all be funded, but will be directed through the new process first.

"RACT will carefully monitor the situation to ensure that the new system leads to better decisions, not delays.

The commitment to investing in the future of rail freight - so crucial to safer Tasmanian roads - is welcomed in principle, but RACT queries whether it is sufficient.

A number of road safety initiatives advocated and supported by the RACT have received some funding in this Budget, including:

• More high-visibility livery for existing police vehicles, and confirmation of funding for new Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras
• The continued funding for the valuable Community Road Safety Partnerships (CRSP) program
• Support for investigating point-to-point speed enforcement
• Confirmation of funding for the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program for all Grade 10 school students.

"RACT is seeking clarification on a Budget line item regarding $500,000 for line marking. It is not clear whether this is new and recurrent funding, or whether it will be more than just a one-off appropriation.

"What RACT does know is that poor line marking is a constant source of complaint from our members and leads to increased local road safety risk. It is a basic unit of road safety and should be funded appropriately. We have called for more new funding in this area, and will continue to do so until satisfied," said Mr Taskunas.         

ENDS   17 June 2010

Media Enquiries:  

Vince Taskunas,
General Manager Public Policy and Communications, RACT
0417 005 647