Road transport in Australia

Last updated

The M1 Pacific Motorway is the major road transport link between the cities of Sydney and Brisbane. The section between Sydney and Newcastle is one of the busiest roads in Australia, with an average of 70,000 vehicles per day. Jolls Bridge on the F3 Freeway - north of Hawkesbury River, N.S.W..jpg
The M1 Pacific Motorway is the major road transport link between the cities of Sydney and Brisbane. The section between Sydney and Newcastle is one of the busiest roads in Australia, with an average of 70,000 vehicles per day.
The Hume Freeway is the major road transport link between the cities of Melbourne and Sydney Hume Freeway Craigieburn Bypass.jpg
The Hume Freeway is the major road transport link between the cities of Melbourne and Sydney

Road transport is an element of the Australian transport network, and contributes to the Australian economy. Australia relies heavily on road transport due to Australia's large area and low population density in considerable parts of the country. [2]

Contents

Another reason for the reliance upon roads is that the Australian rail network has not been sufficiently developed for a lot of the freight and passenger requirements in most areas of Australia. This has meant that goods that would otherwise be transported by rail are moved across Australia via road trains. Almost every household owns at least one car, and uses it most days. [3]

Victoria is the state with the highest density of arterial roads in Australia.

History

Costs and funding

Signage that shows funding for repairs/upgrades was used through the Federal Government's "Roads to Recovery" program. Road to recovery gnangarra.jpg
Signage that shows funding for repairs/upgrades was used through the Federal Government's "Roads to Recovery" program.

Funding and responsibility for Australia's road network is split between the three levels of government; Federal, State and Local. Because of long distances, low population densities, and widely separated major settlements, the costs of and funding for roads in Australia has been, historically, a major fiscal issue for all levels of government, especially Federal and State. The popular phrase 'the tyranny of distance', also the title of a famous historical work, [4] captures the central role of transport in Australian policy, producing many conflicts. It was not until the Bland enquiry in Victoria [5] that there was an attempt to outline the complex questions in economic theory and practice of determining and measuring road costs and their allocation. In 1978-80 the McDonell Enquiry reviewed road and rail freight transport in New South Wales and its affected cities and regions, (the 'hub' of the Australian freight transport system). It was set up because of the 'truckies' blockades and national disturbances which disrupted access to all mainland capitals. These were largely sparked by the levels of road taxes. This enquiry developed the first comprehensive theoretical and measurement system for assessing and allocating road costs,. [6] [7] This system was subsequently applied more widely, [8] and then extended, with later studies, for the establishment of current national policy and principles. [9] [10] Fuel tax is around 50 cents per litre. [11] Fuel sales in Australia (per year) are around 16 billion litres of gasoline, and 32 billion litres of diesel. [12]

The Federal government provides funds under the AusLink programme for several funding programs including:

Other highways and main roads linking regional centres are funded by the respective state governments. Local and minor roads are generally funded by the third tier of government, local councils.

The Business Council of Australia in its Infrastructure Action Plan, estimated that in 2004, road infrastructure was under funded by A$10 billion. [16]

Roads and highways

Sign showing distances (in kilometres) on the Hume Highway from Sydney to Melbourne Hume Hwy (NSW) Distances Updated.gif
Sign showing distances (in kilometres) on the Hume Highway from Sydney to Melbourne
Total employment in the road transport industry in Australia (thousands of people) since 1984 ABS-6291.0.55.003-LabourForceAustraliaDetailedQuarterly-EmployedPersonsByIndustrySubdivisionSex-EmployedTotal-RoadTransport-Persons-A2545646C.svg
Total employment in the road transport industry in Australia (thousands of people) since 1984

Different standards of roads are generally called by various names. With wide variations in population across the nation, the name of a road does not always reflect the construction or capacity of a particular road.

Freeways, motorways, expressways and tollways

Westlink M7, Western Sydney Westlink M7 near Cowpasture.jpg
Westlink M7, Western Sydney

Freeways are major roads with more than one lane of traffic in each direction designed for higher speed operation. They have barriers or wide median strips separating traffic travelling in opposite directions, and grade-separated intersections without roundabouts or traffic lights in the main route. Some toll roads are called motorways or tollways to avoid perceived difficulties with charging people to use a freeway. Most Australian capital cities have one or more freeways across, past, or leading to them.

When limited-access highways began to be built in Sydney in the 1950s, beginning with the Cahill Expressway, they were provisionally named expressways, but in the 1960s Australian transport ministers agreed that they be called freeways (like in the United States and other countries). The Cahill Expressway has kept its original name. Melbourne's South Eastern Freeway (now called the 'Monash Freeway') was the second freeway to be opened in Australia, in 1961. However, it was originally only a short road.

Victoria has the most extensive major arterial (freeway) network in the country, including tollways.

Highways

There is an Australian national highway network linking the capital cities of each state and other major cities and towns. The national highway network is partly financed by the Australian Federal Government, but the bulk of funding comes from the individual states. Many[ who? ] argue that more needs to be spent on maintenance and upgrading the network..

Each Australian state government maintains its own network of roads connecting most of the towns in the state. Highways and major roads include Metroads, National Routes, State Routes and routes numbered according to the Alphanumeric Route Numbering System.

Some highways in remote areas of Australia are not sealed for high traffic volumes and are not suitable for the whole range of weather conditions. Following heavy rains they may be closed to traffic.

Minor roads

Yellow and black warning signs for kangaroos are common in Australia. Australia road sign W5-29.svg
Yellow and black warning signs for kangaroos are common in Australia.

Local governments maintain the vast majority of minor roads in rural areas and streets in towns and suburbs.

Urban

Urban minor roads in Australia are generally sealed, have a 50 km/h speed limit and most are illuminated at night by street lighting. [17]

Rural

Many rural roads are not sealed but are built with a gravel base or simply graded clear and maintained from the available earth.

Outback

Connie Sue Highway on the Nullarbor Plain after heavy rain Connie Sue Hwy.jpg
Connie Sue Highway on the Nullarbor Plain after heavy rain

Driving on minor outback roads off a sealed road can be dangerous, and motorists are generally advised to take precautions such as:

  • seeking local advice
  • ensuring that someone is aware of your travel plans
  • remaining with vehicle in case of a break-down
  • awareness of animals such as kangaroos, especially at night
  • travelling with an adequate supply of drinking water

Failure to observe these precautions can result in death. [18]

Ferries

The Spirit of Tasmania is a service operated by TT-Line with two ocean-going ferries providing a "road" link between Tasmania and the mainland. There is also a Searoad ferry service across the opening of Port Phillip connecting Sorrento and Queenscliff. Kangaroo Island is connected to Cape Jervis by the SeaLink service.

Many of the road crossings over the lower Murray River are provided by government-operated cable ferries.

Road rules and regulation

Economic regulation

Although trucks had played important local carriage tasks since their introduction to Australia, it was not until the 1970s that improved highways and larger trucks allowed the rapid development of long haul operations and intense competition with rail transport. This situation led to the industry disturbances (see section Costs and funding above) on the causes of which the Commission of Enquiry into the NSW freight industry reported. [19] The Enquiry made a series of recommendations for reform involving economic principles, legal provisions, financing, economic regulation and safe operating conditions but found that effective action could not be taken at the State level. It would require re-examination of the central issue of freedom of interstate transport as embodied in Section 92 of the Constitution of Australia, and the development of appropriate national responses. With this basis, the National Freight Inquiry, [20] [21] completed a comprehensive survey of the national industry with major proposals. This resulted in long running development of new governance arrangements and policy for economic regulation of both road and rail freight transport. As a result, following the cooperative Federalism initiative of the 1990s, these matters are the responsibility of the National Transport Commission, [22] within the general oversight of the Australian Transport Council of Ministers. [23]

Operating regulation

Tasman Highway in Hobart, Tasmania Tasman Highway at sunset, Hobart, Tasmania.jpg
Tasman Highway in Hobart, Tasmania

Vehicles in Australia are right-hand drive, and vehicles travel on the left side of the road. The laws for all levels of government, have been mostly harmonised so that drivers do not need to learn different rules as they cross state borders. [24] The usual speed limits are 100 km/h outside of urban areas (110 km/h on some roads where signposted). Major routes in built up areas are 80 km/h and 60 km/h, with streets generally limited to 50 km/h, often not separately signposted. Until the end of 2006, major highways in the Northern Territory had no speed limit, but now the maximum speed there is 130 km/h where signposted on the Stuart, Barkly, Victoria and Arnhem Highways, with a default of 110 km/h on all other rural roads where not otherwise signposted. [25]

Speed limits are enforced with mobile and fixed cameras as well as mobile radar guns operated by police and state road authorities such as VicRoads. Heavy transport operators must record their driving time in a log book and take regular rest periods and are limited in how long they can drive without longer sleeping time.

If two roads with two lanes each way meet at a roundabout, the roundabout is marked with two lanes as well. Traffic turning left must use the left lane, and traffic turning right must approach in and use the right lane, travelling clockwise around the island in the centre. Traffic going straight through may generally use either lane. Vehicles must indicate their intended direction when approaching the roundabout, and indicate left when passing the exit before the one they intend to leave on. Vehicles entering the roundabout must give way to vehicles already on it.

Licensing

Typically, the first stage of licensing is gaining a learners permit. The minimum age to get this in most states is 16, and it requires:

After a set period of time (usually between three and twelve months), and often a certain number of hours practice, the learner driver is eligible to apply for their licence. In most states, there's also an age limit (which ranges from 16 ½ to 18, depending on state). In most states, including NSW, QLD, WA, Tas and ACT, the limit is 17. This process typically involves a practical driving test and a computerised test involving a hazard perception section and possibly some multiple choice questions. The first licence is a restricted licence known as a probationary licence or provisional licence', which typically lasts for up to three years. These drivers must display special plates (design differs across states but may be a white P on a red background, or a red or green P on a white background). This has earned them the name P Platers. Some restrictions placed on these drivers include (dependent on state):

Road train of fuel tankers, Northern Territory Road Train Australia.jpg
Road train of fuel tankers, Northern Territory

Some states have a two-stage probationary licensing system, where the first year of a licence has extra restrictions (and often a different coloured plate) to the later years.

Special licences exist for:

Heavy vehicle class licences require drivers to have experience at lighter licence classes. In some states, a car licence is acceptable for motorcycles with limited engine capacity.

Vehicles

Cars

Holden Commodore VF 2017 Holden Commodore (VF II MY17) SV6 sedan (2018-10-01) 01.jpg
Holden Commodore VF

Five manufacturers have previously manufactured cars in Australia, all of which ceased local production in or prior to 2017. All were subsidiaries of international companies, but manufactured models designed specifically for the Australian market. They were:

The distance travelled by car in Australia is amongst the highest in the world, behind the United States and Canada. In 2003, the average distance travelled per person by car was 12,730 km. [2]

Introduction of airbags and ESC into the Australian car market:

Frontal airbags were introduced on Australian market around the 1990s. By 2006, airbag was a standard feature for around 90% of new cars. In 2014, around 80% of the national car fleet had a driver's airbag, and more than 50% a passenger airbag. [27] It is estimated that frontal airbags reduce fatalities by 20% and side airbags by 51%. [27]

Electronic Stability Control(ESC)began to be sold as a standard feature in Australia from 1999. ESC was mandated for all new passenger cars in 2013 and was mandated for all new light commercial vehicles by 2017. It is estimated that around 29 per cent of the light vehicle fleet was equipped with a form of ESC by 2014. It is considered that ESC reduces fatalities by 53% in some crashes. [27]

Trucks

B-double truck on the Sturt Highway Red B-double truck.jpg
B-double truck on the Sturt Highway

Most long-haul road freight is carried on B-double semi-trailers. These trucks typically have a total of 9 axles and two articulation points .[ citation needed ] Normal semi- trailers usually [ clarification needed ] have a tri-axle trailer towed by a twin-drive prime mover. In the remote areas of the north and west, [ clarification needed ] three- and four-trailer road trains are used for general freight, fuel, livestock and mineral ores. Two-trailer road trains are allowed closer to populated areas, especially for bulk grain and general freight.[ citation needed ]

From July 2007, the Federal and State governments approved B-triple trucks that are allowed only to operate on a designated network of roads .[ citation needed ] A B-Triple is said to carry the load of five semi-trailers.[ citation needed ] B-Triples are set up differently from conventional road trains. The front of their first trailer is supported by the turntable on the prime mover. The second and third trailers are supported by turntables on the trailers in front of them. As a result, B-Triples are much more stable than road trains and handle exceptionally well.[ citation needed ]

The largest road transport companies are Linfox and Toll, but there are many others, including owner-drivers with only their own truck.[ citation needed ]

Buses

Main category: Bus transport in Australia
Buses provide an essential link providing public transport in Australia Transperth 2018 Volgren Optimus bodied Volvo B7RLE diesel Rt. 502.jpg
Buses provide an essential link providing public transport in Australia

Buses in Australia provide a variety of services, generally in one or more of the following categories:

Many aspects of the bus industry are heavily controlled by government. These controls may include age and condition of the bus, driver licensing and working hours, fare structure, routes and frequency of services.

Trams

Trams in Melbourne E.6003 bourke, 2014.JPG
Trams in Melbourne

Trams were used in most Australian cities until the early 1960s. The Melbourne tram system is the largest in the world and remains an integral part of inner city commuting. Their cars intersect with others and large volumes of commuters have ready access to this form of transport. Tram and light rail systems are being reintroduced to some cities, such as the network in Sydney. The only remaining tram route in Adelaide is the Glenelg tram line, which was extended through the CBD in 2007 and again in 2009. At the Gold Coast a thirteen kilometre light rail system opened between Broadbeach and the Gold Coast University Hospital in 2014, and was extended seven kilometres to Helensvale railway station in 2017.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles account for around 3% of vehicles in Australia. [28]

Bicycles

Main category: Cycling in Australia

In the late-19th and early-20th centuries - the bicycle was used extensively in the outback and countryside of Australia as an economical means of transport. In the urban areas the bicycle found wide usage where workers were living in reasonable proximity to their places of work - this can be seen in the extent of bicycle racks at Midland Railway Workshops for example.

Over a third of the population ride a bike at least once a year and over half of all households have at least one working bicycle. [29] They are used for recreation, exercise and commuting. Most cities have developed bicycle usage strategies, while some, such as Canberra and Perth have extensively promoted bicycle usage and constructed an extensive network of cycleways that can be used by cyclists to travel large distances across the city. The recreational use of bicycles has been supported by local and state governments producing publications and websites that encourage recreational and more lately utility usage. Considerable numbers of tourists and enthusiasts use road and off-road routes that have been marked or signed for bicycle tours. Good examples are the Mawson Trail in South Australia and the Munda Biddi Trail in Western Australia.

Electric vehicles

Tesla Model 3 for $59,900 (before EV subsidies) is Australia's most popular electric vehicle accounting for 80% of EV sales in Australia. Tesla Model 3 is the third safest car in Australia and was named Best Electric Car of the Year in 2021. Tesla Model 3 expected to outsell Toyota Camry in 2021 Tesla Model 3 Monaco IMG 1212.jpg
Tesla Model 3 for $59,900 (before EV subsidies) is Australia's most popular electric vehicle accounting for 80% of EV sales in Australia. Tesla Model 3 is the third safest car in Australia and was named Best Electric Car of the Year in 2021. Tesla Model 3 expected to outsell Toyota Camry in 2021
Volvo Polestar 2 for $59,900 (before EV subsidies) available January 2022. with Volvo launching a new BEV each year until 2025 in Australia. Volvo also only sell plug-in electric cars in Australia as of 2021. 3,000 Australian pre-orders for delivery in 2022 and likely to be Australia's second most popular EV in 2022. Polestar 2, GIMS 2019, Le Grand-Saconnex (GIMS0552).jpg
Volvo Polestar 2 for $59,900 (before EV subsidies) available January 2022. with Volvo launching a new BEV each year until 2025 in Australia. Volvo also only sell plug-in electric cars in Australia as of 2021. 3,000 Australian pre-orders for delivery in 2022 and likely to be Australia's second most popular EV in 2022.
MG ZS was Australia's second most popular EV in 2021 for $44,900 (before EV subsidies) MG ZS EV Facelift IMG 5513.jpg
MG ZS was Australia's second most popular EV in 2021 for $44,900 (before EV subsidies)
Hyundai Kona Electric was Australia's second most popular EV in 2020 for $54,000 (before EV subsidies) Hyundai also offered COVID-19 vaccinated Australians a chance to win an electric car. Hyundai Kona Electric FL IMG 3914.jpg
Hyundai Kona Electric was Australia's second most popular EV in 2020 for $54,000 (before EV subsidies) Hyundai also offered COVID-19 vaccinated Australians a chance to win an electric car.
Tesla Model X is the second safest car in Australia. Tesla Model X IMG 3173.jpg
Tesla Model X is the second safest car in Australia.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC was named the best car in Australia in 2019. Mercedes-Benz EQC 400, GIMS 2019, Le Grand-Saconnex (GIMS1262).jpg
The Mercedes-Benz EQC was named the best car in Australia in 2019.

The adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Australia is driven mostly by state-based electric vehicle targets and monetary incentives to support the adoption and deployment of low- or zero-emission vehicles. The monetary incentives include electric vehicle subsidies, interest-free loans, registration exemptions, stamp duty exemptions, the luxury car tax exemption and discounted parking for both private and commercial purchases. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation, energy providers, car loan providers and car insurance providers also offer their own financial incentives for electric vehicle purchases including Macquarie Bank offering the lowest electric car loan of 2.99%. [45] [46] [47]

The Victorian and New South Wales governments target between 50% and 53% of new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030. [48] [49] [50] The New South Wales Government also aim for the vast majority of new cars sold in the state to be electric vehicles by 2035. [49] The New South Wales Government are also planning and stated they must ban the sale of internal combustion-engine vehicles by 2035. [51] [52] Similarly, the Victorian Government's "Infrastructure Victoria" initiative called for the government to ban the sale of petrol and diesel engine vehicles by 2035 at the latest. [53] South Australia's Liberal government aim for 100% of new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2035, [54] and plan to ensure electric vehicles are mainstream and the "common choice" for new vehicle purchases in 2030. [55] The ACT also plan for 100% of new car sales to be EVs by 2030. [56] [57] The Australian states with EV sales targets represent approximately 65% of the Australian population. [48] [49] [54] [58] This means 65% of the Australian population has a target to reach more than 50% EV car sales by 2030. [58] [48] [49] [54] However, this target could be reached sooner if the two largest states governments of New South Wales and Victoria enact their plan to ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035. [53] [51] The Australian government is planning and anticipating to have 1.7 million electric cars on the road by 2030. [59] High adoption of electric vehicles could save Australian drivers $500 billion by 2035. [60] While a slow uptake of electric vehicles would result in a 1 trillion cost to the Australian health system by 2050. [61] Although air pollution would cause the deaths of at least 2500 people across Sydney and Melbourne in the year 2030, even if the federal government swiftly clamped down on poisonous car fuels. [62]

A Federal Government target for 100% of car sales to be electric vehicles before 2050 could also be included in the Federal Government's National Electric Vehicle Strategy. [63] This is because Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated in 2021 that the government's goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, which would require a national transition to 100% electric vehicles before 2050. [64] [49] Scott Morrison also delivered a target for Australia to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 to the 2021 UN Climate Conference. [65] Australia also backed the COP26 Breakthrough Agenda for electric vehicles to be the "new normal" worldwide by 2030. [66] 60% of Australians also supported a net-zero emissions target by 2050. [67] The New South Wales treasurer, Matt Kean, said the federal Nationals should resign if they didn't support a national target for net-zero emissions by 2050. [68] To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, electric vehicles will also need to represent 50% of car sales by 2035. [69] [49] Although the Federal Government's projection in 2021, is for 30% of new car sales to be EVs by 2030. [70] While Labor project 90% of new car sales to be EVs by 2030. [71]

Safety

Long vehicle warning sign on b double.JPG
and safety sign on rear

Road transport safety in Australia is of a moderate to high standard. In 2018, fatalities is in the mean of the 30 OECD countries. [72] Road quality, safety barriers and other safety features are of a moderate level in urban areas and of a high standard on new roads; however in regional areas and on some major highways, road quality can be severely affected by lack of funding for maintenance[ citation needed ]. Speed is limited to around 100 km/h on most highways.

In 2019, the number of people killed on Australian roads is estimated at 1,188 travelers that is 4.7% more than in 2018. This makes 4.7 travelers killed per 100,000 population [73]

Vehicle safety is to a high standard. Many motorists cannot afford newer vehicles and as a result, the second-hand car market is quite large in Australia. There are many older model vehicles and while they require a Road Worthy Certificate (RWC) to ensure basic operation is sound, only newer vehicles have safety features such as crumple zones, air bags, etc. Seat belt usage is very high and Australia was the first country to make seatbelt use compulsory by law in 1970.

Several efforts have been made at educating the mass population about road safety, the most prominent and successful being the Victorian state Transport Accident Commission (TAC) road safety advertisements, which began in the late-1980s in print and television, which often depicted horrific and graphic road accidents initiated by various causes such as speed, alcohol and drug use, distraction, fatigue and many others. The TAC ads were very effective and reduced the death toll drastically. The method was subsequently adopted elsewhere in Australia and around the world.

Speed limits have been progressively reduced in urban streets, from 60 km/h to 50 km/h and more recently, to 40 km/h near schools, in built up areas and shopping strips. This is to ensure safer stopping distances to minimise/reduce pedestrian injuries and casualties.

Safety varies between remoteness area, from a rate of 2.64 in major cities in 2016, to a rate of 34.58 in remote areas [74]

In 1992, first National Road Safety Strategy was established by federal, state and territory transport Ministers. [75]

The 2001–2010 Australian safe-system strategy, achieved a fatality reduction rate of 34% for a reduction target of 40%. [75]

Pedestrian safety

75.8% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved passenger cars or light commercial vehicles, between 2009 and 2013. [76]

Pedestrians older than 75 have the highest pedestrian fatality rate of any age group. [76]

Fatality risk

An Australian study of the risk of deaths once the accident occurred found various possible factors. [77] This study concludes that the risk of death is higher in rural area.

This study use the notion of odds ratio:

Risk factorOdd ratioRisk factor (%)Comment
Rural (vs Urban)1.9191%higher risk in rural zone than in urban zone
Sex (Male vs Woman)1.2828%higher risk for a male than a female
driver no restraint12.02higher risk for without restraint driver than a driver with restraint
passenger no restraint13.02higher risk for without restraint passenger than a driver with restraint
70 km/h (vs 60 km/h)1.2525%risk of being killed is 25% higher at 70 km/h speed limit rather than at 60 km/h speed limit
Manufacture date0.82−18%A car built in 2010 is safer than a car built in 2000

Road naming

Each state has independent systems for the naming of roads. Roads in New South Wales are named in accordance with section 162 of The Roads Act 1993. Australian Standards AS 1742.5 - 1986 and AS 4212 - 1994 provide a list of road suffixes (such as Alley, Circle, Mall, Street) which are routinely accepted by the Geographical Names Board. [78]

Authorities

The Australian commonwealth government has had a number of statutory authorities relative to roads including: -

State governments have been co-ordinated through: -

The state authorities are:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Truck</span> Commercial or utilitarian motor vehicle

A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport freight, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature body-on-frame construction, with a cabin that is independent of the payload portion of the vehicle. Smaller varieties may be mechanically similar to some automobiles. Commercial trucks can be very large and powerful and may be configured to be mounted with specialized equipment, such as in the case of refuse trucks, fire trucks, concrete mixers, and suction excavators. In American English, a commercial vehicle without a trailer or other articulation is formally a "straight truck" while one designed specifically to pull a trailer is not a truck but a "tractor".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transport in Australia</span> Overview of the transport in Australia

There are many forms of transport in Australia. Australia is highly dependent on road transport. There are more than 300 airports with paved runways. Passenger rail transport includes widespread commuter networks in the major capital cities with more limited intercity and interstate networks. The Australian mining sector is reliant upon rail to transport its product to Australia's ports for export.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the electric vehicle</span>

Crude electric carriages were first invented in the late 1820s and 1830s. Practical, commercially available electric vehicles appeared during the 1890s. An electric vehicle held the vehicular land speed record until around 1900. In the early 20th century, the high cost, low top speed, and short-range of battery electric vehicles, compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, led to a worldwide decline in their use as private motor vehicles. Electric vehicles have continued to be used for loading and freight equipment and for public transport – especially rail vehicles.

Te Manatū WakaMinistry of Transport is the public service department of New Zealand charged with advising the New Zealand Government on transport policy. The Ministry works closely with other government transport partners, including the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to advance their strategic objectives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transport in Melbourne</span> Overview of transport in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Transport in Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia, consists of several interlinking modes. Melbourne is a hub for intercity, intracity and regional travel. Road-based transport accounts for most trips across many parts of the city, facilitated by Australia's largest freeway network. Public transport, including the world's largest tram network, trains and buses, also forms a key part of the transport system. Other dominant modes include walking, cycling and commercial-passenger vehicle services such as taxis.

Many countries have enacted electric vehicle laws to regulate the use of electric bicycles, also termed e-bikes. Some jurisdictions have regulations governing safety requirements and standards of manufacture. The members of the European Union and other regions have wider-ranging legislation covering use and safety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Driver licences in Australia</span> Australian driving permit

Driver licences in Australia refer to the official permit required for a person to legally drive a motor vehicle in Australia. The issue of driver licences, alongside the regulation and enforcement of road use, are all managed by state and territory governments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric car</span> Car propelled by an electric motor using energy stored in batteries

An electric car or electric vehicle (EV) is a passenger automobile that is propelled by an electric traction motor, using only energy stored in on-board batteries. Compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric cars are quieter, more responsive, have superior energy conversion efficiency and no exhaust emissions and lower overall vehicle emissions. The term "electric car" normally refers to plug-in electric vehicle, typically a battery electric vehicle (BEV), but broadly may also include plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicle</span> Type of vehicle

A plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) is any road vehicle that can utilize an external source of electricity to store electrical energy within its onboard rechargeable battery packs, to power an electric motor and help propelling the wheels. PEV is a subset of electric vehicles, and includes all-electric/battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Sales of the first series production plug-in electric vehicles began in December 2008 with the introduction of the plug-in hybrid BYD F3DM, and then with the all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV in July 2009, but global retail sales only gained traction after the introduction of the mass production all-electric Nissan Leaf and the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt in December 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric car use by country</span>

Electric car use by country varies worldwide, as the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles is affected by consumer demand, market prices, availability of charging infrastructure, and government policies, such as purchase incentives and long term regulatory signals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles</span>

Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles have been established around the world to support policy-driven adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. These incentives mainly take the form of purchase rebates, tax exemptions and tax credits, and additional perks that range from access to bus lanes to waivers on fees. The amount of the financial incentives may depend on vehicle battery size or all-electric range. Often hybrid electric vehicles are included. Some countries extend the benefits to fuel cell vehicles, and electric vehicle conversions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in Norway</span>

The Norwegian fleet of plug-in electric vehicles is the largest per capita in the world. In December 2016, Norway became the first country where five in every 100 passenger cars on the road were plug-in; attained 10% in October 2018, and reached 25% in September 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in Canada</span> Overview of plug-in electric vehicles in Canada

The stock of plug-in electric passenger cars in Canada in use totaled 141,060 units at the end of 2019, consisting of 78,680 all-electric cars and 62,380 plug-in hybrids. Sales totaled 50,960 units in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tesla Model 3</span> Electric mid-size sedan

The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The vehicle is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world's top selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in California</span> Overview of plug-in electric vehicles in the U.S. State of California

The stock of plug-in electric vehicles in California is the largest in the United States, and as of December 2023, cumulative plug-in car registrations in the state since 2010 totaled 1.77 million units. Between November 2016 and until 2020, China was the only country market that exceeded California in terms of cumulative plug-in electric car sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in Australia</span> Overview of plug-in electric vehicles in Australia

The adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Australia is driven mostly by state-based electric vehicle targets and monetary incentives to support the adoption and deployment of low- or zero-emission vehicles. The monetary incentives include electric vehicle subsidies, interest-free loans, registration exemptions, stamp duty exemptions, the luxury car tax exemption and discounted parking for both private and commercial purchases. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation, energy providers, car loan providers and car insurance providers also offer their own financial incentives for electric vehicle purchases including Macquarie Bank offering the lowest electric car loan of 2.99%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles</span>

Vehicles that are powered by fossil fuels, such as gasoline (petrol), diesel, kerosene, and fuel oil are set to be phased out by a number of countries. It is one of the three most important parts of the general fossil fuel phase-out process, the others being the phase-out of fossil fuel power plants for electricity generation and decarbonisation of industry.

Vehicle weight is a measurement of wheeled motor vehicles; either an actual measured weight of the vehicle under defined conditions or a gross weight rating for its weight carrying capacity.

Electric vehicle policies in Australia include incentives such as electric vehicle subsidies, interest-free loans, registration exemptions, stamp duty exemptions, the luxury car tax exemption and discounted parking for both private and commercial purchases. The adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Australia is driven mostly by state-based electric vehicle targets and monetary incentives to support the adoption and deployment of low- or zero-emission vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in New Zealand</span>

The initial adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in New Zealand was supported by New Zealand Government policies, including monetary incentives such as electric vehicle discounts, exemptions from road user charges, and electric vehicle sales targets. By 2023 year-end, there were 106,942 registered plug-in electric vehicles in New Zealand, consisting of 76,550 battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and 30,392 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), together making up 2.2% of the national fleet of 4.8 million vehicles. In 2023, 27.2 percent of all new car registrations were plug-in electric vehicles.

References

  1. "M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrades". Transport for NSW . Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Transport in Australia". International Transport Statistics Database. International Road Assessment Programme . Retrieved 17 February 2009.
  3. "Where are we now?". Australian Automobile Association. Archived from the original on 22 February 2007. Retrieved 3 February 2007.
  4. The tyranny of distance : how distance shaped Australia's history / Geoffrey Blainey | National Library of Australia . Catalogue.nla.gov.au. 2001. ISBN   9780732911171 . Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  5. Sir Henry Bland, Reports of the Board of Inquiry into Victorian land transport, Government of Victoria, 1972
  6. "Penrith City Library". Opac.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  7. "Transport Reviews: A Transnational Transdisciplinary Journal". 8 (2). 1988.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. Laird, P. G. (1985). "Transport '85: Preprints of Papers - Road Freight Deficits (Engineering Collection) - Informit". Transport '85: Preprints of Papers. Search.informit.com.au: 26–30. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  9. "AN OVERVIEW OF THE AUSTRALIAN ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORT INDUSTRY" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  10. "Back on Track: Rethinking Transport Policy in Australia and New Zealand". Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  11. "The government just raised the fuel excise again – here's what it means for you". Drive. 5 February 2024.
  12. "Australian Petroleum Statistics 2023". Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. December 2023. slide page 7
  13. "National Projects". Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services. Archived from the original on 20 August 2006. Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  14. "Roads to Recovery Program Funding Allocations". Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services. Archived from the original on 24 June 2007. Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  15. "Black Spot Program". Nationbuildingprogram.gov.au. 23 September 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  16. "Infrastructure to sustain growth (PDF linked)". Business Council of Australia . Retrieved 19 February 2007.
  17. "Minor Roads Lighting Solutions". Philips Electronics . Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  18. "Australian Outback Survival". Outback Australia Travel Guide. Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  19. McDonell, G. J. (1981). "Transportation Conference 1981: Preprints of Papers - Road/Rail Rationalisation, Transport Regulation, and Section 92: Findings of the Commission of Enquiry into the NSW Freight Transport Industry (Engineering Collection) - Informit". Transportation Conference 1981: Preprints of Papers. Search.informit.com.au: 87. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  20. National Road Freight Industry Inquiry report, September 1984 / Thomas E. May, chairman ; Gordon Mil... | National Library of Australia. Catalogue.nla.gov.au. 1984. ISBN   9780644035644 . Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  21. "Overview of Australian Road Freight Industry:Submission to National Inquiry 1983" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  22. "National Transport Commission". NTC. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  23. "Welcome to the ATC Website". Archived from the original on 3 February 2010. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  24. "Australian Road Rules". South Australian Department for Transport Energy and Infrastructure. Archived from the original on 27 December 2002. Retrieved 3 February 2007.
  25. "Changes to road rules on 1 January 2007". Government of the Northern Territory. Archived from the original on 5 February 2007. Retrieved 3 February 2007.
  26. "Licence conditions and requirements". VicRoads. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  27. 1 2 3 "data" (PDF). bitre.gov.au. 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  28. "Motorcycle Use in Victoria". Parliament of Victoria . Retrieved 3 February 2007.
  29. "Australian Cycling Participation 2013". Austroads. 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  30. "Design Your Model 3 | Tesla". www.tesla.com. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  31. Parkinson, Giles (20 January 2020). "Tesla takes 70 per cent of market, as Australia electric car sales reach 5,000 in 2019". The Driven. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  32. Schmidt, Bridie (30 August 2019). "First Tesla Model 3 electric sedans delivered to customers in Australia". RenewEconomy. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  33. Charlwood, Sam (31 May 2019). "Tesla Model 3 Australian pricing revealed". Carsales . Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  34. Schmidt, Bridie (16 April 2021). "Tesla drops price of Model 3 by up to $4,000 in Australia". The Driven. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  35. "Much-Anticipated Electric Car Policy Change Brings Australia Out Of The 'Dark Ages'". DMARGE. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  36. "Best Electric Car 2021: The verdict". www.carsales.com.au. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  37. "Here are Australia's safest cars for 2019". WhichCar. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  38. Schmidt, Bridie (8 December 2021). "Surge in EV sales in November suggests Tesla Model 3 will outsell Toyota Camry in 2021". The Driven. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  39. "Volvo Australia to electrify range: Hybrid and electric only from 2021, diesels axed | CarAdvice". CarAdvice.com. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  40. Schmidt, Bridie (2 December 2021). "Polestar reports huge Australia interest for Polestar 2, plans US factory for next model". The Driven. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  41. Schmidt, Bridie (5 November 2021). "Tesla chases down Toyota, as electric SUV sales boosted by rebates". The Driven. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  42. Schmidt, Bridie (19 August 2021). "Hyundai launches cheaper short-range Kona Electric and drops long-range price". The Driven. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  43. 2021 - 9:23am (29 August 2021). "$100k in rewards for vaccinated Aussies". news. Retrieved 30 August 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  44. Vorrath, Sophie (20 December 2019). "Tesla Models X and 3 ranked among Australia's Top 3 safest cars for 2019". The Driven. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  45. "Electric vehicles". www.macquarie.com.au. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  46. jasoncartwright (6 January 2021). "RACV and NRMA giving members 20% off ultra-rapid EV charging at Chargefox". techAU. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  47. jasoncartwright (17 August 2021). "Macquarie Bank offering new Electric Vehicle Car Loans for close to Home Loan Rates of just 2.99%". techAU. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  48. 1 2 3 Parkinson, Giles (1 May 2021). "Victoria to offer $3,000 subsidy for electric vehicles, sets 50pct target by 2030". The Driven. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  49. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mazengarb, Michael (19 June 2021). "NSW unveils $490 million support package for electric vehicles, but there's a catch". The Driven. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  50. Harris, Rob (22 August 2021). "Australia on verge of electric cars boom". The Age . Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  51. 1 2 Schmidt, Bridie (5 May 2021). ""Historic opportunity:" NSW hints at EV incentives and petrol car sales ban". The Driven. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  52. Parkinson, Giles (23 September 2021). "Matt Kean: We need to have electric car sales only by 2035". The Driven. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  53. 1 2 "Infrastructure Victoria urges ban on petrol and diesel cars "by 2035 at latest"". The Driven. 19 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  54. 1 2 3 Parkinson, Giles (20 December 2020). ""Biggest change in Model T": South Australia wants all new car sales to be electric by 2035". The Driven. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  55. Mazengarb, Michael (6 November 2020). "South Australia to transition car fleet and boost charging network in big EV push". The Driven. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  56. "All ACT new car sales to be zero-emissions by 2030 under ambitious plan". CarExpert. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  57. "State of Electric Vehicles 2021 - Electric Vehicle Council" . Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  58. 1 2 "National, state and territory population, December 2020 | Australian Bureau of Statistics". www.abs.gov.au. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  59. Harris, Rob (8 November 2021). "Grid upgrades, infrastructure rollout planned to handle electric car surge". Brisbane Times . Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  60. Mazengarb, Michael (22 October 2021). "Australia could save nearly $500 billion with big switch to electric vehicles". The Driven. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  61. "Poor EV take-up to cost Australia's health system $1tn by 2050, modelling shows". The Guardian . 23 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  62. Hasham, Nicole (25 July 2016). "Dirty fuel crackdown won't prevent thousands of deaths from air pollution". Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  63. Cox, Lisa (12 April 2019). "Poll shows 50% of Australians support shifting all sales of new cars to electric vehicles by 2025". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  64. Malos, Anna; Skarbek, Anna. "Scott Morrison has embraced net-zero emissions – now it's time to walk the talk". The Conversation. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  65. "Nationals back net zero by 2050 climate target with safeguards". SBS News. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  66. Jervis-Bardy, Dan (3 November 2021). "EVs to be 'new normal' by 2030 under plan backed by Australia at Glasgow summit". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  67. Crowe, David (21 September 2021). "Clear majority of Australians want net zero emissions by 2050". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  68. "NSW treasurer Matt Kean says federal Nationals 'can resign from the ministry' if they don't back net zero". The Guardian. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  69. "Australia's electricity market must be 100% renewables by 2035 to achieve net zero by 2050 - study". The Guardian. 26 February 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  70. Whitehead, Jake; Whitehead, Jessica; Lim, Kai Li. "As the world surges ahead on electric vehicle policy, the Morrison government's new strategy leaves Australia idling in the garage". The Conversation. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  71. Parkinson, Giles (6 December 2021). "Nine out of 10 new car sales will be electric in 2030, under Labor plan". The Driven. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  72. "International Road Safety Comparisons—Annual". 20 September 2018.
  73. https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/rda_dec_2019.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  74. "Info" (PDF). bitre.gov.au. 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  75. 1 2 "Road safety in Australia".
  76. 1 2 "data" (PDF). bitre.gov.au. 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  77. "Data" (PDF). bitre.gov.au. 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  78. "Guidelines for the Naming of Roads" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 August 2006. Retrieved 16 May 2007.

Further reading