This situation is likely to be repeated if Sydney introduces the 40kmh CBD speed limit. The NMAA view is that road safety decisions should be focused on analysis of need, rather than ideological beliefs. The proposed 40kmh CBD speed limit is ideologically driven.

The South Australian Government had chosen to introduce 50 kmh urban speed limits in March 2003, on the basis that it was a safety initiative and would save lives. It is disturbing yet sadly predictable that the opposite has occurred. There was an increase, instead of a reduction, in the number of people killed on SA roads that year. In particular, metropolitan fatalities rose from 31 in 2002, to 45 in 2003. That is, a 45% increase in metropolitan road fatalities occurred after the 50 kmh urban limit was introduced in South Australia. Refer to first attachment.

In Melbourne, pedestrian fatalities increased from 36 in the 12 months before 50 kmh was introduced, to 64 in the following 12 months. That is an increase of nearly 78% in metropolitan road fatalities following the introduction of the 50 kmh urban limit. Refer to second attachment.

There are many factors that cause road and pedestrian fatalities. One can only surmise as to whether pedestrians falsely believed they were safer with the reduced speed limit and failed to take proper care when crossing roads.

The introduction of the 50 kmh urban speed limit was based on emotionalism, ideology and unfounded statistical theory and not on sound traffic engineering principles. The task of setting appropriate speed limits is for suitably qualified traffic engineers, not politicians nor academics.

The NMAA urges the Sydney City Council to place road safety - protecting human lives - ahead of ideological beliefs which are being promoted by a minority group with an irrational hatred of motor vehicles. Instead of promoting solutions based on optimising road safety, this minority group has focused on the single issue of vehicle speed. Its simplistic solution is to apply a 40 kmh speed limit.

Over-emphasis on the issue of vehicle speed leads to "speedo-gazing". Drivers have become so concerned about speeding fines and demerit points that they tend to gaze at their speedos every few seconds. For many drivers, this distraction becomes an issue equivalent to driving while blindfolded for up to several seconds at a time. Drivers need their eyes focused on the road to have proper control of a vehicle - particularly in areas where there are pedestrians who may unexpectedly run onto the road.

The NMAA is concerned that the increasing incidence of the "inattention/fatigue/did not see" type of accidents may be due to the lowering of speed limits below sensible thresholds.

For drivers, instead of "drive slowly" the safety message should be "drive safely". A similar message needs to be conveyed to pedestrians - "take care when crossing a road".

Over 30% of pedestrians killed in road accidents were intoxicated, and 80% of those were heavily intoxicated. A minority group has proposed the creation of 40 kmh "drunk zones" in the vicinity of all clubs and hotels. A more direct and effective solution would be the enforcement of Responsible Service of Alcohol by licensed premises.

More than 73% of pedestrian fatalities are entirely the fault of the pedestrian. To reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries on roads, the emphasis should be placed on educating pedestrians instead of demanding lower speed limits.

For example, the NMAA is very impressed with the WATCH OUT, CARS ABOUT newspaper adverts aimed at pedestrians over 50. The colour pictures are graphic and grab attention - one ad shows a boxing ring with an over 50 lady about to box with a car. It provides statistical data about pedestrians over 50 and it emphasises that pedestrians need to take care.