The Victorian government has launched a new round of grants to help more councils across the state deliver road safety projects in their local areas.
As part of the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program, Victorian councils can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
Nearly half of all fatal accidents and serious injuries of pedestrians and cyclists that involve a vehicle happen on council managed roads.
“Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy, that’s why we’re working with councils across the state to implement projects that keep Victorians safe – particularly for our most vulnerable road users,” minister for road safety, Melissa Horne says.
To adopt ‘Safe System’ principles, the program provides grants to reduce crashes. These principles consider all elements of the road system including vehicles, travel speeds, road users and the road itself.
TAC CEO, Tracey Slatter says road safety should be all road user’s concern.
“Improving road safety in Victoria is everyone’s responsibility and the TAC’s Local Government Grants will ensure councils can continue to improve the overall health and mobility of their communities,” she says.
$2 million worth of grants were provided last year across 38 councils, including a $100,000 grant to Northern Grampians Shire Council for pedestrian safety works at Stawell Primary and a $99,000 grant to Hobson’s Bay Council to upgrade the crossing at Williamstown High School.