Push to improve safety on local roads

ALMOST eighty local governments around the state have been granted as much as two million dollars each to improve their roads over the next three years.

The works are being funded by the Federal Government’s $210 million Safer Local Roads and Streets Program, with various projects to deliver new raised crossings, plus upgrades to kerbs, intersections, roundabouts and pedestrian islands.

“This program represents a collaborative approach to addressing road safety concerns across our state; working together towards a safe environment for all road users,” Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter said.

“As part of Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy, we’re partnering with local government and communities to reduce trauma on Victorian roads and streets, including those around our homes, schools and workplaces,” head of Road Safety Victoria Marcelo Vidales added.

Local governments own and operate 87 per cent of Victoria’s roads, and 40 per cent of serious injury claims and 41 per cent of TAC claims of life costs occur as a result of accidents on them.

The program is supported by the Federal National Road Safety Strategy, which aims to halve road deaths, reduce serious injury and ultimately achieve zero trauma by 2050.

More information is available on the National Road Safety Strategy website.