The NSW Liberals and Nationals today announced a boost of $600 million in additional funding for dedicated road safety improvements and enhanced police enforcement. The cash injection brings the total investment in reducing deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads over the next five years to $1.9 billion.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the recent increases in the road toll called for further investment in targeted initiatives.

“Any loss of life on our roads is one too many and so this investment is about making our roads safer for everyone in NSW,” said Mr Perrottet.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the Government is delivering on its Road Safety Plan 2021 priorities.

“We are investing in proven initiatives to lower the road toll. Addressing speeding, drink and drug driving, driver fatigue and pedestrian and cyclist safety,” Mrs Pavey said.

Priority areas include:

• $640 million to save lives on country roads through infrastructure safety upgrades
• $250 million for enhanced enforcement, including 50 additional highway patrol officers in regional areas, roadside alcohol testing and a doubling of mobile drug testing
• $180 million to increase liveability and safety in urban communities through infrastructure safety upgrades for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users

“But this historic investment can only go so far in reducing road deaths and serious injuries and we need every driver, rider and pedestrian to do their bit by taking responsibility for their actions on the road,” Mrs Pavey added.

View the Road Safety Plan 2021.