The IPWEA/RTA Local Government Road Safety Strategy works to raise the priority of road safety in Local Government. This is achieved through support for Council road safety strategic planning, the administration of funding for local road safety initiatives, and through the presentation of annual Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards to recognise outstanding Council achievements. The IPWEA/RTA Strategy is one element of the NSW Local Government Road Safety Program conducted as part of Road Safety 2010, a framework for increasing road safety in NSW over the next decade.
Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards
In 2002 the Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards attracted 20 nominations from some 38 Councils across NSW. The Awards are sponsored by the Motor Accidents Authority and are presented as one category of the IPWEA Excellence Awards. For further information please contact Angela Delli-Pizzi, Road Safety Project Manager, telephone (02) 8267 3012.
WINNER Willoughby City Council, Ku-ring-gai and North Sydney Councils
Motorcycle Safety Project
The Motorcycle Safety Project reflects the combined efforts of three neighbouring Councils, Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney and Willoughby. The project was initiated to address the over representation of motorcyclists in crashes in the three Local Government Areas.
The strategies for the project were multifaceted in targeting both the motorcyclists, and other road users who can impact on riders’ safety, as well as investigating engineering solutions at known ‘trouble spots’ in the local areas. Consultation with stakeholders resulted in a program being developed that included education of motorcyclists regarding potential risks and how to avoid them, and a helmet trade-in offer which encouraged the use of protective clothing and safe helmets.
In addition, audits of the identified ‘trouble spots’ for motorcyclists revealed that the issue at some of the sites was behavioural rather than environmental. To address this, warnings for both motorists and motorcyclists were displayed at these sites on Variable Message Signs. To raise the awareness of all road users regarding motorcycle safety issues, a radio campaign, motorcycle safety brochures and bumper stickers were also utilised to drive home the message.
This project breaks new ground for projects initiated by Local Government. In making the award, it was noted that the project is innovative and engenders strong community and stakeholder support. It addresses an issue not just with a wide range of complementary strategies, but also by targeting different road user groups who have an impact on the safety of motorcyclists.
The project has generated substantial interest from other road safety stakeholders. Congratulations to Willoughby City Council, Ku-ring-gai and North Sydney Councils.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Leichhardt Council
Walk to School Pilot Project
The Walk to School Project combined both road user and road environment interventions to address an important issue common to many local school communities. In response to the increasing road safety concerns from local schools, Leichhardt Council, in partnership with the Health Promotions Unit of Central Sydney Area Health Service, piloted a cross disciplinary project with a local school.
The project aimed to improve safety around schools through education of the school community. It also aimed to raise awareness about the health benefits of walking and to increase the number of children walked to and from school by a parent, thus contributing to a reduction in vehicle congestion outside the school, and making the area safer for pedestrians.
The project adopted a whole of school approach, involving parents, staff and students. The project included a series of community meetings, newsletters, surveys, and monitoring of journeys to and from school and in class support from teaching staff. Road safety audits and an enforcement strategy were also included, integrating stakeholders into a multi disciplinary team to address a common issue.
The project was highly commended for its cross disciplinary approach to addressing road safety concerns in regard to school travel, its comprehensive reporting and tracking of the project, and the involvement of a range of stakeholders.
This project is well linked to Council’s Strategic Plan, encompassing broader traffic management and transport planning benefits as well as delivering behavioural/educational benefits.
Following the success of the pilot, a number of other schools are undertaking the project. Congratulations to Leichhardt Council.
