Councils to become honorary RTA Deputies for more revenue.

[XDV800]

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&so...P6kpvOnoRY_CLg

COUNCILS could start booking motorists for speeding on local streets under a federal plan to help reduce the national road toll.

The far-reaching National Road Safety Strategy also proposes bans on mobile phone hands-free kits - meaning mobiles would not be able to be used at all while driving - and random drug testing for those who drive for a living.

The Federal Standing Committee on Transport will soon release its 2011-2020 strategy after protracted negotiations with state governments.

Federal Transport Secretary Mike Mrdak is believed to have discussed the draft plan with state transport directors-general on April 29.

But some of the proposals, such as giving councils the power to operate speed cameras on local roads, do not have the full support of all transport ministers, although some local government authorities are lobbying hard for the measures.

The draft said considerations should be given to "investigating the scope for provision of enforcement powers and speed cameras for local government management of road safety on local roads".

The ministers will meet in Alice Springs on May 20 to finalise the strategy, which aims to reduce the national road toll by 30 per cent over the next decade.

Divisive issues, such as random drug testing for commercial drivers, could be deferred in favour of further negotiations with states.

It is understood the states support the banning of mobile phone hands-free kits for novice drivers but some states have sought more information about the impact on taxi, bus and heavy vehicle drivers, who were also facing the ban.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay's spokeswoman said he was yet to be fully briefed on the various proposals by the Federal Standing Committee on Transport.

She said although the proposals had not not been considered by the O'Farrell government, the minister was not personally in favour of introducing more speed cameras at either a local or state level.

He also said he supported the use of hands-free mobile phones in cars.

Premier Barry O'Farrell has vowed to remove any speed cameras on NSW roads which do not improve road safety and are used purely as revenue "cash cows".

Despite the audit, The Sunday Telegraph recently revealed the Roads and Traffic Authority is still planning to install an extra 200 speed cameras by 2013.

The RTA has defended its safety cameras, which detect both speeding and red light infringements at traffic lights, saying they prevent fatalities.

What a pita this subject is becoming. When will it end. Hopefully for you bushrangers Baz sticks by his word and quells the thirst for speed camera revenue soon.