NT open speed limit still off grid

The Government held an early morning press conference on the Arnhem Highway, raising hopes of a decision on the possible return of open speed limits yesterday.

Chief Minister Adam Giles did announce a change to the maximum speed -- but it dropped from 130km/h to 110km/h on a high-risk stretch of the road. He did not rule out a return to open speed limits on some sections of the other major highways.

Mr Giles said the Arnhem Highway change would apply to a 61km section of the road between Lambells Lagoon and Bark Hut Inn. "We promised to look at the evidence and all the experts said there are too many trucks on this stretch of road for people to travel at 130km/h an hour,'' he said. "Traffic volumes in the area have increased 10 per cent in the past five years.''

Opposition Leader Delia Lawrie welcomed the change but said it was another broken promise. "Of course the Arnhem Highway does deserve very clear limits on it,'' she said. "But let's face it, Adam Giles announcing a reduced speed limit on the Arnhem Highway today is another broken election commitment.''

Mr Giles said the Government would also drop the speed to 80km/h in front of Bark Hut Inn and down to 100km/h in front of Corroboree Park. He said South Alligator Roadhouse was not as busy as it once was and experts have deemed it safe to increase the speed from 80km/h to 100km/h.

The speed limit will stay 130km/h along the rest of the highway. The changes come into effect on July 8.