NSW releases road safety star ratings AusRAP map

The NSW Government has taken a major leap forward in road safety transparency with the launch of an interactive map showing the safety star ratings of more than 35,000km of state and regional roads.

The tool, based on the nationally recognised AusRAP (Australian Road Assessment Program) standards, rates roads from 1 to 5 stars according to safety features such as barriers, divided carriageways, lane width and roadside hazards. More than 71 per cent of all road travel in NSW already occurs on roads rated 3 stars or higher - putting the state within striking distance of the national target of 80 per cent by 2030.

The NRMA's Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Robert Giltinan, welcomed the announcement, describing the move as a “great outcome” that delivers on years of advocacy.

“Alongside the AAA, we’ve been calling for greater transparency and data-led investment in road safety for some time, including during the last federal election,” said Mr Giltinan. “It’s fantastic to see NSW leading the nation on this and we’d like to see other states follow suit.”

What the map shows and why it matters

This is the first time a comprehensive and publicly accessible road safety star rating system has been made available to drivers in NSW. The interactive digital map covers:

• 20,000 km of state roads, and
• 15,000 km of regional roads — a first in Australia.

The initiative not only shows where NSW roads stand today but highlights where safety upgrades are needed most, especially on high-traffic corridors that pose a higher risk of serious injury or death.

The data reveals:

• Most state roads in NSW are rated 3 stars, considered high-quality roads that meet national safety standards.
• Just under 1 per centare rated 5 stars, typically reflecting newly built or upgraded freeways and major arterials.
• Around 23.5 per cent of travel occurs on 2-star roads, and 3.8% per cent on 1-star roads.

While a 1-star rating doesn’t automatically mean a road is unsafe, it does indicate fewer built-in safety features and therefore higher potential benefit from targeted upgrades.

Evidence-based investment, not guesswork

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the new map would underpin smarter, fairer infrastructure planning across the state.

“You can’t fix what you don’t measure,” she said. “This map shows us what’s working and where we can go further. It’s a vital step forward in making sure every region gets the safe, high-quality roads it deserves.”

In line with the Safe System approach, NSW will continue to prioritise upgrades on roads where the risk and volume of travel is highest. For example, moving a road from 1 to 3 stars might involve installing roadside barriers, widening shoulders, or improving signage and line markings. Research shows these upgrades can significantly reduce crash severity.

Under a joint Commonwealth-NSW Road Safety Program, more than 450 km of 1- and 2-star roads will be lifted to 3 stars or higher over the next two years.

National implications

While all states have committed to publishing AusRAP data, NSW is the first to go live and the only state to extend ratings to regional roads.

NSW’s proactive release of this data is expected to encourage other states and territories to follow suit in the months ahead.

With 1- and 2-star roads still making up a significant portion of the driving experience, particularly in regional areas , the NRMA is urging other states and territories to match NSW’s ambition.

Explore the NSW AusRap map here.