Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC has welcomed the allocation of a record $145.7 million for road safety initiatives in the 2016-17 State Budget.
The funding will be allocated through the Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA) and is set to benefit regional West Australians, with almost $64.9 million for road safety features including overtaking lanes, wire rope barriers, audible line edging and road widening.
“While there has been a decrease in the road fatality rate, it’s clear that we collectively need to work harder to tackle the over-representation of fatal crashes on regional roads,” Mr Grills said.
“I am pleased that the Minister for Road Safety has increased funding in an effort to make our regional roads safer.”
A former WA Police officer and accredited road safety auditor, Mr Grills said a combination of measures was needed to further reduce death and serious injury rates on country roads.
“Community RoadWise programs, education campaigns, improved driver training, law enforcement and infrastructure upgrades must all be a part of the mix, and this increase in RTTA funding will support these efforts,” he said.
The RTTA funding, which is built from speed and red light camera fines, will include $4.1 million for community education campaigns, with the SDERA and RoadWise programs receiving $1.6 million each.
A further $2.2 million will fund Western Australia’s first alcohol interlock system for serious and repeat drink drivers and $5.53 million will continue additional roadside alcohol and drug testing.
“The State Government is committed to further reducing road trauma through safer roads, education and enforcement but ultimately the public play the greatest role,” Mr Grills said.
“We need people to drive safely and responsibly at all times and also influence those who make the wrong decisions.”
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 9071 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
