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Andrews Labor government refuses to bring back road safety committee as road toll has horror start for 2023

Victorians need safer roads now. We have seen a horror start to 2023, with 42 lives lost on Victorian roads to date.

By news@gippsland - 8th February 2023 - Back to News

There is no easy solution to road safety. A parliamentary road safety committee could play a big role in providing solutions to drive the road toll down, yet the Andrews Labor government voted down the motion in Parliament.

Andrews Labor government disregard for a committee that has driven so much change over decades leaves Victorian motorists at a disadvantage

Reductions in injury and fatality

Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O'Brien, said in the past the committee had made Victoria a leader in road safety. "This committee was responsible for inquiries from its very inception in 1967 that resulted in Victoria's then world-leading road safety initiatives."

"These initiatives were associated with significant reductions in injury and fatality on Victorian roads, including the introduction of mandatory seatbelt wearing, the demerit point system, random breath testing, the list goes on."

"It is disappointing that Labor, having axed the committee in 2015, has refused to bring it back and keep Victoria at the cutting edge of life-saving technology and initiatives." Mr O'Brien said.

Needs long-term investment

Mr O'Brien said the decision comes at a time when Victorians faced some of the most unsafe road conditions. "Rural and regional Victorians especially know the state of our roads is abysmal."

"Long-term investment means safer roads, but it's also about driving down the road toll with intervention initiatives and research into the latest technology. This disregard for a committee that has driven so much change over decades leaves Victorian motorists at a disadvantage." Mr O'Brien said.

Pictures from Dash Cam Owners Australia Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com