Roads Minister Melinda Pavey is rubbishing claims the government’s rollout of more 40km/h speed zones is a revenue raiser, saying the move is about saving lives.

The New South Wales Government will restrict drivers to 40km/h in locations outside train stations, shopping centres and hospitals in a bid to reduce pedestrian deaths.

31 pedestrians have died this year, with the number up 10 from the same time last year.

Ms Pavey tells Chris Smith pedestrians have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings but reducing the speed limit will help save lives.

“Where we put 40km/h zones in, in high pedestrian areas, the number of accidents, fatalities have dropped by 38%.

“Where we have fatalities with pedestrians, 84% of the time it’s not a 40 km zone. There is a method in wanting these types of zones.”

The Roads Minister says she’s disappointed Labor leader Luke Foley has labeled the move as a revenue raiser.

“In fact, we’ve got a problem at the moment. We’ve got 10 more pedestrians killed than the same time last year,” she says.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview