NSW Liberal Leader Peter Debnam said today the escalating road toll was no surprise to highway patrol police starved of resources.

"In 1982 there were over 1,200 highway patrol police in NSW. In 2005, there were only 893 highway patrol officers," Mr Debnam said.

"Cutbacks in highway patrol is one factor contributing to NSW's high road toll this year," he said.

"There is no better deterrent to speeding drivers than seeing a marked highway patrol car. Unfortunately, there are few police on the road.

"Nine lives were lost over the Easter long weekend and I fear another horror weekend for families with Anzac Day coming up."

According to data from the RTA website today, 182 people have died on the state's roads so far this year – an increase of 27% on the same time last year.

"Speed cameras have a role to play in road safety, but they are no substitute for highway patrols.

"The Labor Government committed in 1995 to reducing the number of road deaths to fewer than 500 by 2000. They have failed.

"Not only did the Labor Government fail to meet this promise, it still hasn't – some five years later.

"The Iemma Labor Government lacks the commitment to fix road blackspots highlighted by more deaths on the notorious Pacific Highway," Mr Debnam said.

ENDS

MEDIA: Brad Burden 9230 2270 or 0401 672 145