SA roads need $7.1b in upgrades: RAA

RAA government and public policy general manager Jayne Flaherty said long-term investment was urgently required.

"SA motorists already pay almost $1 billion a year in federal excise and GST on fuel, so it's only fair that whoever wins the next federal election commits to funding road transport projects for SA,'' Ms Flaherty said.

Two of the top priorities identified are the staged duplication of the Augusta and Dukes Highways, which have an estimated cost of $2b each.

RAA is also advocating for the Riddoch Highway to be formally recognised as part of the National Highway Network.

Across these three highways and Adelaide's North-South corridor, 39 fatalities were recorded between 2013 and 2017, making them some of the most dangerous roads in the state.

More than 870 injuries - many of them serious - were recorded on these roads in the same time frame.

If government action to improve rural roads is not taken, projections estimate a further 124 deaths and 1180 injuries at a cost of $962 million in the next 20 years.

Related reading: Action needed on SA country roads

A total of 12 recommendations were put forward in the 2018 National Road Safety Strategy Inquiry, and Ms Flaherty said all of these points must be addressed if carnage on roads is to be reduced.

She also said that research and funding into autonomous vehicles was essential.

"Autonomous vehicles have the potential to boost safety and reduce road congestion, while enhancing mobility for children, the elderly and people with disabilities, but our progress is stalled by legislation failing to keep pace with technology," she said.

"The time to take action is now. RAA wants to see the government include this much-needed funding in its upcoming budget, and these crucial commitments in the opposition's budget reply.''

RAA is running a campaign telling local federal candidates about the importance of road upgrades, with more voters encouraged to join.