After reaching the 2021 target to reduce the road toll by 30 per cent, the NSW Government has launched a new plan to further the fight against road fatalities.

Under the newly-released 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, the NSW Government is setting its sights on a bigger target, aiming to reduce the road toll by 50 per cent by 2030, and reduce serious injuries by 30 per cent. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said rural and regional NSW will be a key focus under the plan, where 65 per cent of fatalities occur. 

“People living in regional NSW typically spend more time on the road, driving further, and at higher speeds where safety infrastructure can make a life-saving difference,” Mr Farraway said. 

Under the new plan, the government is proposing legislation that will allow mobile phone detection cameras to identify drivers not wearing a seatbelt. 

According to road fatality data, 14 per cent of fatalities in NSW were a consequence of not wearing seatbelts. 

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said that even one death is too many.

“We know the measures we’ve delivered through our previous Plan have worked to save lives. 270 people were killed on NSW roads last year, our lowest road toll since 1923, but this number is still too high.” 

Under the previous 2021 Road Safety Plan, NSW achieved its target of a 30% reduction in road deaths in the past decade. 

“That was a heartening result but it’s vital we look to the future and continue the trend with the ultimate aim to be no deaths on our roads. We should be treating everyone on our roads as if they are family,” Mrs Ward said. 

“Important initiatives in our new Plan include a new online Learner Licence Education and Testing Platform to improve interactive learning and access to a licence.” 

All initiatives will be delivered through the Community Road Safety Fund, which includes every dollar from speed, red light and mobile phone use offences detected by cameras.