Media release – Road Safety Advisory Council, 24 February 2025
Tragic start to 2025: Road fatalities and injuries surge
Tasmania’s Road Safety Advisory Council is concerned by the alarming road toll just two months into the new year.
A fatal crash in the north east over the weekend brings Tasmania’s road toll to seven for 2025, compared to two deaths recorded at the same time last year.
Serious injuries on Tasmania’s roads have also increased, with 62 people injured so far this year compared to 49 at the same time in 2024. This figure sits above the five-year average of 50.2.
Notably, three of this year’s fatalities have been motorcyclists, compared to none during the same period last year.
Chair of the Council, Scott Tilyard, is pleading with all road users to do the right thing to stay safe on the roads following this tragic start to the year.
“It’s devastating to see so many lives lost and families torn apart by road trauma. Each death and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones or are suffering the lifelong impacts of serious crashes.
“We cannot accept road deaths and injuries as inevitable—they are almost always preventable. Every road user has a role to play in making our roads safer.”
Mr Tilyard warned that this year’s trend is reminiscent of 2022, when Tasmania recorded 51 road fatalities. By this time in 2022, four lives had already been lost—fewer than the seven reported so far in 2025.
He also highlighted the ongoing impact of the Fatal Five driving behaviours – speeding, inattention, driving under the influence, failure to wear seatbelts and fatigue – which continue to be major contributors to serious and fatal crashes.
“Despite significant investments in safer roads, driver training and education programs, we are still seeing too many road users engaging in high-risk behaviours,” Mr Tilyard said.
“Tragedy can strike in an instant. We urge all motorists to make safe choices—not just for themselves, but for everyone on the road.”
Media release – Commissioner for Transport, 21 February 2025
Speed limit change for Meander Valley Road, Hadspen
The Commissioner for Transport has approved a speed limit change for Meander Valley Road in Hadspen.
The speed limit was reviewed following a request by Meander Valley Council and assessment by the Department of State Growth.
The existing 100 km/h speed limit will be reduced to 80 km/h on a 2.5-kilometre section of road covering the Rutherglen Road, Bartley Street and Main Street intersections in Hadspen.
The speed limit is being reduced due to pedestrian activity including school children waiting for buses, the number of intersections and the presence of curves that can affect sightlines along this section of road.
The new speed limit reduces the risk of crashes along the section of road by providing road users with extra time to react to vehicles turning off or onto Meander Valley Road. The change will add 23 seconds to the typical journey while improving safety for both road users and pedestrians.
Research shows that even small reductions in operating speeds can result in considerable safety benefits.
The changed speed limit will come into effect once the new speed limit signs have been installed, which is expected to be during the week starting Monday, 24 February 2025. ‘New speed limit ahead’ signs will also be placed to warn road users of the change.
Road users are reminded to follow the posted speed limits and always drive to the conditions.
New speed limit on Bass Highway, Leith
The Commissioner for Transport has approved a speed limit change on the Bass Highway at Leith following a review.
The existing 110 km/h speed limit on a 1.6-kilometre section covering the Short Street and Braddons Lookout Road intersections will be reduced to 90 km/h.
This section of the highway has been monitored since improvements were made to the two intersections in 2023 and has also been the subject of representations from the Devonport and Central Coast councils and the community for a speed limit reduction.
While the crash history at this location is relatively low, the severity can be high. Most of the serious crashes that have occurred at the two junctions have involved vehicles turning right, out of the side roads, failing to identify a safe gap in the traffic.
The review found there was another of this type of crash in January at the Short Street intersection resulting in minor injuries. It determined the potential for this type of crash – with serious consequences – remained, despite the intersection upgrades.
The proposed speed limit reduction will not have a significant impact on travel times. The theoretical increase in travel time associated with the speed limit reduction would be 12 seconds. It is also consistent with speed limits at similar sections of the Bass Highway, including near Chasm Creek and Heybridge.
The changed speed limit will come into effect once the new speed limit signs have been installed, which is expected to be between Thursday, 20 February 2025 and Monday, 24 February 2025, weather permitting.
‘New speed limit ahead’ signs will also be placed to warn road users of the change.
Road users are reminded to follow the posted speed limits and always drive to the conditions.
