Slow down and arrive alive

The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging drivers to slow down on the Kings Highway.  

ACT Policing will be working collaboratively with the NSW Police Force to target speeding, along with drug and alcohol impaired drivers, and urge all road users to be aware of speed limits along the highway.

“We know that summer time sees an increase of vehicles and holiday-makers travelling along the Kings Highway. This means that drivers have to be patient, vigilant and allow additional time when travelling between Canberra and the South Coast.

“With the commencement of this campaign you’ll see a marked increase in patrols along the Kings Highway with police using marked and unmarked police vehicles to enforce speed limits,” NSW Police Sergeant Dominic Goodyer from Cooma-Monaro Highway Patrol said.

“Speeding is one of the top five factors in fatal collisions on our roads. This summer we want everyone who is travelling to reach their destination safely by slowing down, being patient, driving to the conditions and taking regular breaks,” ACT Policing Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations Ken Hedges said.  

“Not only do police want everyone to arrive safely, but your friends and family are counting on your safe arrival too. Don’t put the lives of those in your car or the car around you at risk this festive season by trying to save a minute or two by speeding.”

Following the release of the Kings Highway Safety review in 2013, the NSW government provided $25 million for safety improvements along the highway.

Major realignment work on the Kings Highway east of Nelligen was completed in August 2016, with the River Forest Road to Mongarlowe River realignment due for completion by late 2017. Drivers are urged to be patient and stick to the speed limit when travelling through road work zones.

“If you are travelling between Canberra and the South Coast this summer, you will see a new series of banners on the roadside urging drivers to slow down. These banners serve as an urgent reminder for motorist to be extra vigilant on the roads this summer.” Heidi Hanes from the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership said.

The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership formed eight years ago with members from Eurobodalla, Palerang, Shoalhaven and Queanbyean shire councils, ACT Policing, NSW Police, Roads and Maritime Services and the Justice and Community Safety Directorate with the aim of reducing road trauma on the Kings Highway.

The campaign will run from now until the end of January 2017.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au