The Towards 2020 report details the improvements required to achieve a much higher standard of safety and efficiency on the State’s regional and urban road network.

RAA Public Affairs general manager Sharon Hanlon said, while much had changed in SA since 2005, when the RAA last produced such a comprehensive document, these commitments did not happen by chance.

“Long-standing and consistent campaigning by the RAA has seen both the State and Federal governments respond with increased spending along South Road and increased funding for a range of road safety programs that has seen SA’s road safety performance dramatically improve,” she said.

“While these gains have been significant, there is still a long way to go in reducing the pressure currently placed on the urban road network.”

With congestion levels across the inner city ring route having already exceeded predictions for 2025, and the urban freight task expected to double also by 2025, Ms Hanlon said it was critical that a clear agenda to achieve continued improvements on the road network was set.

“The RAA’s number one priority – reaffirmed by our members through a survey in late 2008 and shared by other key stakeholders in transport – remains the completion of a non-stop, north-south corridor for metropolitan Adelaide,” she said.

“Delaying this improvement beyond 2014 is simply not acceptable. In addition, the continued under-spend on maintaining the road network and the lack of recognition for the need to duplicate Victor Harbor Road, remain major issues of concern.”

Ms Hanlon said while Towards 2020 was based on rigorous technical analysis, the report was unique in that it also genuinely considers the experiences of real-life road users in its assessments.

“By investing in the infrastructure improvements Towards 2020 identifies, SA will benefit economically from improved efficiency and accessibility to communities, socially from reduced crash costs and improved road safety and finally, from a healthier and environmentally sustainable road network," she said.

“Towards 2020 will be used as the cornerstone of the RAA’s advocacy efforts to inform State and Federal governments and lead agencies including freight, business and councils on vital road safety measures and key infrastructure projects.”