Report by Michael Timms, Chair, ACRS NSW Chapter Chair
The road safety community gathered at the Sydney Opera House for the official launch of Australian road safety week.
The ACRS was represented by President (Em.) Ann Williamson, CEO Ingrid Johnston, NSW Chapter Chair Mick Timms and Deputy Chair Tasha Prabhakar.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison MP outlined measures taken by the NSW Government including the recent the Average Speed Camera trial, on two stretches of road in the north and south west of the state.
The Minister said 1,000 motorists were detected exceeding the speed limit in the first week of the trial. From 1 May to 30 June 2005, registered owners speeding vehicles will receive a warning letter. However, drivers exceeding the speed limit by over 30km/h will receive a penalty notice. Minister Aitchison said one driver has been detected travelling at 144km/h in a 110km/h zone.
Beyond the crash, a website containing real stories about people involved in road trauma, has also been launched.
Pictured left to right: ACRS NSW Chapter Deputy Chair Tasha Prabhakar, ACRS NSW Chapter Chair Michael Timms, ACRS CEO Dr Ingrid Johnston, NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison MP, ACRS President Prof. (Em.) Ann Williamson.
This week is also global road safety week. A video message from Dr Etienne Krug, Chair of the UN Road Safety Collaboration, was played at the launch. Dr Krug said “we can do better” for pedestrian and cyclist safety worldwide. Coincidentally, the NSW Government Response to the recommendations of the 2024 Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Mobility was released on 13 May.
National Road Safety Week is an initiative of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, which was launched by Peter Frazer OAM, following the tragic loss of his daughter Sarah at a road crash. Major buildings and structures are illuminated in yellow, which was Sarah’s favourite colour.
Pictured below: Sydney Harbour Bridge – lit in yellow for National (Australian) Road Safety Week launch on Monday 12 May 2025
