It’s something we see time and time again, reduced speed limit signs due to roadworks when there are no roadworks in sight. With new regulations coming into play next month, those responsible could face hefty fines.
In South Australia, the companies responsible for traffic management during roadworks on state roads will face fines if they leave speed limit signs on the road when they are not required, to help avoid unnecessary traffic hold-ups.
Under the new regulations, which start on April 5, traffic management companies will face fines of up to $1,250 if incorrect speed limit signage is in place when work isn’t taking place and there is no requirement from a safety perspective.
SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the State Government is keen to ensure temporary traffic management used around worksites keeps workers and road users safe while avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
“With a record $16.7 billon infrastructure spend rolling out over the next four years there’s plenty of road works occurring across the state – improving safety and creating jobs,” said Wingard.
“This is ensuring that contractors don’t leave speed limit signs up when they’re not needed, holding up traffic and creating unnecessary disruptions.
“Fines can now be issued to any contractor who breaches their permit conditions because we need to make sure our pipeline of works roll out seamlessly.
“We want to make sure road workers and motorists are safe but we also want to ensure we keep traffic moving.”
He pointed to an instance just a few weeks ago on the SE Freeway where traffic was slowed to 40km/h during peak time when in fact it should have been 60km/h.
“I completely understand the frustration that caused and that’s why I’m keen to crackdown on those who don’t adhere to the regulations,” Wingard added.
Wingard has written to stakeholders that are major road traffic management companies who are pre-approved to undertake traffic management on DIT roads to inform them of the changes.
Traffic Management Association of Australia Treasurer Andrew White applauded this commitment to the safety of road users and roadworkers, which builds on the existing Road Traffic Act.
White said the introduction of The Regulation would provide an educative function for companies involved in traffic management and assist with compliance.
“Safety is central to our industry and The Regulations will provide a platform to introduce and educate the industry and the public in regulatory safety on and around roadworks,” he said.