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A Review of Highway Agencies in the South Asia Region

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A <strong>Review</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Highway</strong> <strong>Agencies</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>Region</strong><br />

51 RTA (2007). 2008 to 2012: RTA corporate plan<br />

Two budget papers are published annually outl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> expenditures foreseen for <strong>the</strong><br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g period. One paper covers <strong>the</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g year, whilst <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs have a multi-annual<br />

outlook. The budget papers are eventually a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> federal budget.<br />

The RTA corporate plan, a bluepr<strong>in</strong>t, sets <strong>the</strong> priorities and milestones for <strong>the</strong> short term.<br />

The bluepr<strong>in</strong>t agenda does not cover all aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> RTA’s operations, but clearly<br />

demonstrates areas <strong>of</strong> focus (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g improv<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>tenance, safety, services career<br />

development, commercial activities, and so on).<br />

Collectively, <strong>the</strong>se plans help to drive and coord<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>the</strong> allocation and management <strong>of</strong><br />

resources and activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> organization <strong>in</strong> order to deliver its <strong>in</strong>tended outcomes. These<br />

are drafted <strong>in</strong> consultation with <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> NSW and are <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with NSW Treasury’s<br />

requirements, and l<strong>in</strong>k agency fund<strong>in</strong>g with achievement <strong>of</strong> government priorities through<br />

demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g agency results and services and represent a considered approach to plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and asset management.<br />

Execution <strong>of</strong> Works and Services<br />

Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />

RTA spends about US$820 million 51 yearly on ma<strong>in</strong>tenance. These expenditures reduce<br />

vehicle operat<strong>in</strong>g costs through improved ride quality. Moreover, ma<strong>in</strong>tenance is aimed at<br />

improv<strong>in</strong>g road safety. The department’s <strong>in</strong>frastructure ma<strong>in</strong>tenance program establishes<br />

priorities on a risk basis to protect assets and safeguard motorists. A strategic risk-based<br />

approach to ma<strong>in</strong>tenance determ<strong>in</strong>es m<strong>in</strong>imum levels <strong>of</strong> service and ensures consistent<br />

requirements for identify<strong>in</strong>g and rectify<strong>in</strong>g defects. In allocat<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>tenance funds, <strong>the</strong><br />

RTA gives priority to programs which:<br />

Achieve <strong>the</strong> best overall return on ma<strong>in</strong>tenance <strong>in</strong>vestment;<br />

Provide community-wide benefits from reduced accidents and travel time; and<br />

Reduce environmental impacts <strong>of</strong> road <strong>in</strong>frastructure ma<strong>in</strong>tenance.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>in</strong>dicated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Auditor-General’s report (2006) was lack <strong>of</strong> standards<br />

for road ma<strong>in</strong>tenance at that time. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong>se standards have been developed and<br />

are under permanent review.<br />

Licens<strong>in</strong>g and Registration<br />

RTA is responsible for provid<strong>in</strong>g registration and licens<strong>in</strong>g services. Dur<strong>in</strong>g 2008-09, <strong>the</strong> RTA<br />

provided registration and licens<strong>in</strong>g services <strong>in</strong> relation to 4.72 million license holders and<br />

5.33 million registered vehicles <strong>in</strong> NSW. RTA conducts regular <strong>in</strong>ternal and external audits<br />

on motor registry operations, o<strong>the</strong>r service delivery outlets, and back <strong>of</strong>fices support<strong>in</strong>g<br />

licens<strong>in</strong>g and registration.<br />

Access and Overload Control<br />

RTA funds <strong>the</strong> Enhanced Enforcement Program, which is a partnership <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> RTA and <strong>the</strong><br />

NSW Police to support police operations target<strong>in</strong>g speed<strong>in</strong>g, dr<strong>in</strong>k driv<strong>in</strong>g, fatigue, heavy<br />

vehicle safety, and seatbelt and helmet use.<br />

The RTA runs seven Heavy Vehicle Check<strong>in</strong>g Stations, a key part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> RTA’s heavy vehicle<br />

enforcement program. The RTA has equipped its busiest stations with automated screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />

lanes, Weigh-<strong>in</strong>-Motion, Safe-T-Cam and Truckscan technology to perform compliance<br />

checks for gross mass, group axle mass, vehicle height, speed, tailgat<strong>in</strong>g, registration status,<br />

defect status, valid vehicle configuration for road type, Safe-T-Cam checks for driver fatigue,<br />

and non-compliance history checks.<br />

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