Time To End Speed Limit Farce

This media release just published by the Outdoor Recreation Party repeats so many of my thoughts on the subject of speed limits that I have chosen to reprint it in full. Note that it applies to NSW, but I know that readers in other Australian states and territories will find it all too familiar:

TIME TO END SPEED LIMIT FARCE

As another double-demerit period comes to a close, now is a good time to acknowledge the pointlessness of enforcing laws that lack community support.

Speed limits on highways and freeways are way out of step with community standards. This is obvious from the fact that the only time they are obeyed is when there is a high likelihood of being booked, such as a few hundred metres either side of a speed camera.

Attempts to enforce such laws are not only a waste of resources, but contrary to the principles of a free society. They create conflict between the police and community, and encourage governments to focus on raising revenue.

“Nobody denies the fact that people are injured and die in road accidents,” said Outdoor Recreation Party spokesman David Leyonhjelm.

“But if the aim of speed limits is to eliminate the road toll, they should be about 10 km/h. Obviously there has to be a trade-off with travel times. The issue is, who should decide on that trade-off? Currently it is faceless, nameless bureaucrats in the RTA, with rare input from a politician. Pretty obviously, they are out of step with the community.”

"The Outdoor Recreation Party believes the normally careful and competent actions of a reasonable person should be considered legal. We propose that speed limits be determined by the community, through application of the 85th percentile formula."

This is an internationally recognised method, used in most of the USA and Canada, in which the speed limit is removed for a time while speeds are monitored. After a suitable period the speed limit is set at the 85th percentile. Statistically it is known that drivers who significantly exceed this level, or who travel well below it, are far more likely to cause road accidents.

“Roads are better designed and cars far safer than they were when the current range of speed limits was established many decades ago, so recalibrating speed limits may not alter the road toll. But even if there was an increase in accidents, the community shows it is willing to accept that. Public servants and politicians should not be telling the community it is wrong and they are right. That’s the Big Brother approach.”

“Far better to have 85% of the people supporting a law so enforcement can concentrate on the 15% who disregard it, than vice versa,” Mr Leyonhjelm said.

The Outdoor Recreation Party will be contesting the NSW state election based on a platform of less regulation and reduced bureaucracy.

The Party will also be participating in Canberra’s custom car and motorbike show, Summernats, on 6-9 Jan to promote its policies to car and bike enthusiasts.

Contacts:

How the 85th percentile is determined: http://onlinemanuals.txdot.gov/txdotmanuals/szn/determining_the_85th_percentile_speed.htm

David Leyonhjelm (ORP Registered Officer and leading candidate)
0418 461 431

Peter Whelan (ORP President)
02 9652 0415, 0416 275 850

www.orp.org.au
info@orp.org.au

ewan@marque.com.au