Govt acts after deadly year on NSW roads

The horror NSW road toll in 2017 has prompted the premier to put a plan in place that will crack down on speeding, drink and drug-driving, driver distraction and fatigue.

Some 392 people died on NSW roads in 2017, the highest figure since 2010, prompting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to announce a range of tough new road safety measures on Tuesday.

Laws would be amended so cameras can be used to spot drivers on their phones, while people convicted of mid-range drink-driving would be forced to use alcohol-testing devices built into their vehicles.

The state government would also introduce 11 more heavy-vehicle average speed camera locations in Sydney and another $125 million would be spent on safety barriers and rumble strips throughout the state.

An inter-agency working group was assessing whether people should be allowed to drive while using prescription drugs.

That move came after the Falkholt family - including Home and Away actress Jessica - died following a horror Boxing Day crash on the NSW south coast.

The driver of the four-wheel drive which slammed into their car had a shocking driving history and was on his way home from a Nowra methadone clinic when the crash occurred.

Under the government plan, NSW Police will also be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines and licence suspensions for low-range drink-driving.