Michael de Roos
NSW Roads
Michael de Roos started working as a road designer with the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) in 1989. Since 1999 Michael has worked in the RTA Corporate Office, where he has conducted research into behavioural and engineering issues and developed policies and strategies that incorporate engineering, enforcement and behavioural programmes. Michael managed the installation of the first fixed digital speed cameras in Australia, reviewed and rewrote the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines and has developed and implemented a programme that re-engineers local roads so that they are safe for pedestrians. Michael is currently acting general manager, Safer Roads in the NSW Centre for Road Safety, where he manages and influences road safety outcomes across NSW, through the development, implementation and promotion of the ‘safe system’ approach to road safety.

Reducing casualties on major routes: a case study of success on the Pacific and Princes Highways in New South Wales
The 1,025km Pacific Highway links Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. It was faced with a sharp rise in fatalities in 2003, while being one-third of the way through an upgrade to dual carriageway. A safety review was conducted. This paper details the review, the delivery of the resultant strategic plan and its safety outcomes. The plan cost $35 million but over the following three years fatalities fell from 55 in 2003 to 25 in 2006. This paper also discusses the road safety benefits arising from the Princes Highway Safety Review, where $30 million of safety works have delivered a reduction in fatalities from 24 in 2004 to four in 2006.