Penalty increases, road funding and broken promises

Posted 1 July, 2019 Jeremy Rochow

Motorists caught using their mobile phones in South Australia now face an extra $200 worth of fines, following a 60% penalty hike by the state government.   The new penalty for mobile phone use while driving, which has risen from $334 to $534, is just one of a number of price hikes for expiation notices released in line with the 2019/20 State Budget. In good news, the release of last month’s budget also saw South Australian Treasurer Rob Lucas announce funding packages for 3 infrastructure projects on RAA’s priority list. Here’s how the state budget and new penalties could affect you on the road:  

Traffic penalty increases

Speeding motorists’ wallets will be a bit lighter from now, with fines increasing by up to $600 on 1 July. Fines for motorists speeding by less than 10km/h increased the least, rising from $174 to $177. Drivers caught using a mobile phone will – as well as being stung with a more expensive fine – also face a $60 Victims of Crime Levy and 3 demerit points.   RAA Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches said motorists should be aware of the risks associated with using any functions of their mobile phone while driving. “The fines are becoming more expensive so putting your phone away while you’re driving is good for your safety and other road users, as well as your pocket,” Mr Vertudaches said. “Don’t be tempted to use any functions of your phone while you’re stationary at traffic signals. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times.”

Full list of changes to traffic offences

    *A $60 Victims of Crime Levy is charged for each offence. ** Proposed increases for high-level speeding offences will be introduced as soon as State Parliament approves them.

Road funding secured

A win for both urban and regional motorists, the government announced funding for a number of road projects. The funding packages announced by the government feature long-term and short-term infrastructure projects and address a number of key items on RAA’s priority list. A total of $3 billion will support the completion and delivery of the North-South Corridor, $55 million to upgrade the Horrocks Hwy and $125 million to upgrade roads on the Eyre Peninsula, including Eyre Hwy.   RAA General Manager Government and Public Policy, Jayne Flaherty, hailed the government’s commitment to completing the North-South Corridor and upgrading regional highways as a win for driver safety. “The Torrens Rd level crossing investment boosts the $116 million already pledged in the federal budget to fix this bottleneck, and is a win for commuters, businesses and RAA members,” Ms Flaherty said. “The government’s commitment to separate freight level crossings at Park Tce, Salisbury; Kings Rd, Salisbury Downs; Cormack Rd, Dry Creek; and Cross Rd, Westbourne Park will greatly benefit South Australian motorists.” Ms Flaherty also hailed the government’s commitment to upgrade major intersections. “We welcome the commitment to upgrade intersections at Cross and Fullarton roads, Portrush and Magill roads and Goodwood/Springbank/Daws roads,” she said. The government also committed $92 million to duplicating Victor Harbor Rd between Main South Rd and McLaren Vale, which RAA has long advocated for.  

More needed for struggling SA families

Despite the government’s multi-million dollar spend on infrastructure, Ms Flaherty argued more needed to be done to help struggling South Australian families. “RAA is disappointed the government hasn’t used this budget to deliver on its election commitment to help cash-strapped households by providing real-time fuel pricing in SA,” Ms Flaherty said.