Vehicle speeds in South Australia 2014

Abstract

A systematic and ongoing method of measuring vehicle speeds was introduced in South Australia in 2007 in order to assess the effects of speed reduction countermeasures and to monitor the speed behaviour of South Australian motorists over time. About 130 sites around South Australia have speed measurements taken for a one week period at the same time each year. This Report summarises the data collected in 2014 and makes comparisons with previous surveys and partial surveys dating back to 2002. Vehicle speeds on South Australian 50 km/h roads were lower in 2014 than in 2013. This continues a general downward trend in speeds on those roads since 2002 (although it is more pronounced in Adelaide than in rural areas). Vehicle speeds on South Australian 60 km/h roads were essentially unchanged in 2014 compared to 2013. However, unlike rural 60 km/h roads, the Adelaide 60 km/h roads have shown previous reductions in speed. Vehicle speeds on rural hills 80 km/h roads were lower in 2014 than in 2013 continuing a reduction in speeds on those roads starting in 2013. Vehicle speeds on 100 and 110 km/h rural roads were essentially unchanged in 2014 compared to 2013 with both these road types showing very little change since surveys on them began in 2006 (although examination of the upper end speeds suggests that high end speeds are becoming less common on these roads over time).