A safer road ahead for regional NSW

Regional roads are set to receive a major safety boost after the NSW Government launched its 2031 Road Safety Action Plan, which includes a five-year package of sweeping reforms and targeted infrastructure investments to combat road trauma across the state. Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison unveiled the plan, which highlighted a geographic imbalance, noting that around two-thirds of all road fatalities occur in regional NSW, despite regional areas making up just one-third of the state’s population. State and regional roads form less than 20 per cent of the entire NSW road network, but account for two-thirds of fatal crashes. The action plan will run from 2027 to 2031, aiming to reach interim 2030 targets to halve road fatalities and reduce serious injuries by 30 per cent, moving towards the state’s goal of zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050. Road Safety Officer for Temora/Bland/Coolamon/Junee Shire, Steven Bloomfield, welcomed targeted investment in infrastructure and improved emergency response. “The 2031 Strategy is a positive step forward, particularly for regional NSW, where the majority of fatal crashes occur on higher-speed roads,” he said. “The proposed investment in rumble strips, safety barriers and intersection upgrades is especially welcome, as these treatments directly target the types of crashes we see too often in regional areas. “I also support the inclusion of post-crash care as a core pillar of the Safe System. “In country communities, where emergency response times can be longer, improvements in rescue and trauma response can make a real difference in saving lives.” Mr Bloomfield’s support for the strategy highlights the importance of ensuring regional communities are not overlooked. “The success of these reforms will depend on strong partnerships with local councils and ensuring regional communities receive their fair share of infrastructure investment,” he said. “Overall, the strategy provides a practical and evidence-based roadmap to reduce road trauma and make our roads safer for everyone.” A concerning road toll has arisen in recent years, with 347 people losing their lives on NSW roads in 2025, an increase of 20 deaths from the previous year. 12,292 people suffered serious injuries requiring hospital treatment, an increase of 733 from 2024. The figures mean someone is killed or hospitalised in a crash on NSW roads every 44 minutes. The strategy is built around priority areas across the Safe System: Expanding average speed cameras. Regional infrastructure blitz: Installation of 5000 km of audio tactile line markings (rumble strips), 750km of roadside and median barriers and upgrades to high-risk rural curves and intersections. Post-crash care: Vehicle extrication protocols will be reviewed to reduce rescue times for pinned victims and expand mandatory post-crash drug and alcohol blood testing to crashes causing grievous bodily harm. Child restraint fine diversion: Eligible families will be offered a program to have child car seats professionally checked and fitted in lieu of paying financial penalties. Large vehicle safety testing: Testing and assessment of the crash compatibility of larger family vehicles and dual-cab utilities with smaller cars and pedestrians, addressing risks linked to bonnet heights and front-end design. Vulnerable road users and e-bikes: Reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme through enhanced coaching and digital testing, accompanied by stepped-up enforcement, vehicle seizure powers and battery standards targeting modified high-speed e-bikes. Urban and intersection upgrades: Upgrading 500 traffic control signals with pedestrian priority crossings and right-turn arrows.

A safer road ahead for regional NSW

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