The Victorian Government’s Towards Zero 2016-2020 Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan is investing in improving road safety. Towards Zero is the vision and strategy plan to achieve fewer than 200 deaths by 2020 and reduce serious injuries by 15% on Victoria’s roads.
Road Safety
Vehicle speed contributes significantly to the severity of the crashes and the resulting injuries. VicRoads suggest that at higher speeds there is a greater likelihood of severe injury or death and even small increases in travel speed can cause disproportionately large increases in the likelihood of a crash that causes death or serious injury.
According to VicRoads Safety Statistics, lower travelling speeds on our urban roads have contributed to significant reductions in pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries since 2001.
Traffic incidents involving speeds of 60km/h and 50km/h have a 85% and 55% chance of causing serious injury or death respectively, while incidents at 40km/h only have a 25% of causing death and injury.
Latrobe City Council's Vision
Council is dedicated to improving the safety of roads within Latrobe City for all who use them. In February 2019 Council endorsed to apply for funding through the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program to reduce speed limits in the CBD of Moe, Morwell and Traralgon and also make other upgrades to increase safety for pedestrians.
As a part of Towards Zero 2016-2020 Road Safety Strategy and also a nationwide strategy to improve safety in high pedestrian traffic areas, Latrobe City Council is proposing to modify the Central Business Districts of Moe, Morwell and Traralgon by introducing the lower speed limit of 40 km/h across the CBD.
Lower speed limits in built-up areas will help to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries. Travelling at lower speeds improves a driver's ability to stop and avoid crashes, especially in areas of high pedestrian activity.
As a part of 40 km/h some new physical changes will be installed such a kerb outstand to constrict the road width at the entries to the CBD; raised platforms or distinctive pavements either at intersections, entries to the CBD, or at key locations for pedestrian safety. Changes would see pedestrians get right of way at refurbished intersections.
View the maps below to see how we will improve safety in Latrobe City:
- Moe 40 Zones Map(PDF, 764KB)
- Morwell 40 Zones Map(PDF, 850KB)
- Traralgon 40 Zones Map(PDF, 637KB)
For more information phone Daniel Kelabora on 1300 367 700 or email latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au.
