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Road Safety Strategy that aims for zero annual deaths by 2050 adopted by Baw Baw Shire Council

Baw Baw Shire Council adopts a new Road Safety Strategy, aiming for zero serious injuries or deaths by 2050. Strategy focuses on leadership, collaboration, safe systems, and supporting all modes of transport.

By news@gippsland - 29th June 2023 - Back to News

A new Road Safety Strategy, adopted by Baw Baw Shire Council, is aiming for zero serious injuries or deaths on Baw Baw Shire roads by 2050. Supported by funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the strategy is the culmination of more than 12 months of research, development, and community consultation, and represents a significant step forward in enhancing road safety throughout the region.

The new Road Safety Strategy incorporates input from stakeholders and takes a multifaceted approach to enhance road safety

Safety strategy unveiled

Developed with input from local stakeholders, agencies and transport authorities, the new Strategy takes a multifaceted approach to identify, assess, and target specific areas of concern, fostering a safer environment for all motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The Strategy identifies four key themes that will guide council's road safety response of the next five years:

Leadership and best practice

Council is committed to Towards Zero and the Safe System Approach, acting as an exemplar of road safety

Working together

Council will work with our road safety partners and the local community to shape the future of road safety

Safe System approach

Council applies the globally recognised Safe System approach, which addressed the four main factors that contribute to a crash, including:

• Safe roads
• Safe speeds
• Safe people
• Safe vehicles

Active, public and other modes of transport

Council will reduce risks for all mode of transport users, recognising how important this is for a healthy and sustainable community.

Supporting themes

Supporting these key themes is a robust action plan for addressing them. Key recommendations include:

• Regular reviews of crash data to identify key issues and trends to inform planning, projects and operations
• The introduction of a Safe System Principles check on road infrastructure upgrades, including signage and line marking improvements
• Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly training for staff
• Post-implementation evaluations of traffic management treatments to identify the most effective solutions for improving road safety
• Promotion of road safety messages and educational material for motorcyclists
• Upgrade of bicycle facilities on local roads
• Promotion and education on the Victorian road rules

Mayor Annemarie McCabe. said, "We are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users in Baw Baw Shire. This strategy aims to proactively address road safety challenges and create an environment where everyone can travel with confidence. By combining infrastructure enhancements, education, collaboration and data analysis, we are determined to achieve our vision of reducing road accidents and creating a safer road network for all."

Adopted strategy

Cr Keith Cook, mover of the motion to adopt the strategy said, "This is a very serious issue. I'm pleased that council has made the steps to do as much as we can to alleviate death and injury on the roads in our Shire."

Cr Jones, who seconded the motion, says "I appreciate the TAC funding for this review. We are now in a better place to contemplate and initiate change to make our community safer for pedestrians and drivers." To know more, download and read the Baw Baw Road Safety Strategy 2023-2027 in its entirety.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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