Melbourne Looks To Ease Road Trauma And Traffic Congestion
Road safety offences in Melbourne’s CBD will be targeted this month in a bid to help ease road trauma and congestion in the city, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced today.
Mr Pallas said Melbourne’s CBD was now among the top ten road trauma areas in the state, with a targeted road safety blitz by VicRoads and Victoria Police aimed at delivering safer and easier travel for people in the area.
“The Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport system, tackling congestion and improving road safety, so people can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends,” Mr Pallas said.
“From tomorrow, VicRoads Transport Safety Service officers will join Victoria Police to target various road safety offences in a bid to ease traffic congestion, provide safer travel for pedestrians and allow public transport to move more freely through the city.
“Targeted offences include failing to give way to pedestrians and public transport, driving in bus, tram or bicycle lanes, stopping in ‘Keep Clear’ markings, parking in clearways and failing to obey traffic signals.
“Melbourne’s CBD is a serious road trauma area. Last year there was a 3.5 per cent increase in pedestrian collisions, an 11.7 per cent increase in cyclist collisions and 192 motorbike collisions.”
The Brumby Labor Government’s $112.7 million Keeping Melbourne Moving congestion plan, aims to improve travel through better traffic management.
“Importantly, improving traffic flow through the CBD will also reduce delays in public transport. Reducing congestion will make a significant difference to the journeys of thousands of road users in cars, trams, buses and on bikes,” Mr Pallas said.
He said VicRoads would also be looking out for offences that slowed down travel in the city, including vehicles blocking intersections or public transport and double parking.
“We want everyone to understand they need to share the road with other users, particularly trams and buses,” Mr Pallas said.
“Motorists need to take responsibility, adhere to the road rules and drive safely – and we can all benefit from easier and safer travel in the city.”
The blitz period will run for six days over the month of April between 2pm and 8pm. The dates include Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 April, Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 April, and Thursday 22 April and Friday 23 April.
Topics: 2010, Australia, Brumby Labor Government, busses, cars, CBD, city, congestion, double parking, Governance, government, Keeping Melbourne Moving, Melbourne, monitor, motorists, news, offenses, public transport, road rules, road safety, road safety blitz, road trauma, safety, society, Tim Pallas, traffic, traffic management, trams, transport system, travel, vehicles, VicRoads, Victoria, Victoria Police
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