The Western Australian Government has launched a three-pronged response to what it calls the “terrible road toll” in WA in 2014.
Road Safety Minister, Liza Harvey, said the response would target speed; motorcycle fatalities; and country road crashes.
“Speed cameras have a long-proven ability to slow motorists down and change their driving behaviour while the two reviews will come up with methods to drive down motorcycle fatalities as well as country road deaths,” Ms Harvey said.
Four additional fixed speed cameras will be installed in existing locations across the metropolitan area bringing the total operating at all times to five. The additional fixed cameras will cost $3.2 million
The Minister said the Motorcycle Safety Review group would involve a number of agencies which would conduct a detailed analysis of motorcycle fatal and serious crashes from the past five years.
“The group will look at crash types, locations and factors and then look to establish clear measures to improve rider safety in the areas of roads, vehicle safety, speed and rider behaviour,” she said.
The Motorcycle Safety Review group includes the Office of Road Safety, WA Police, Department of Transport, Main Roads and Insurance Commission of WA.
Ms Harvey said the Wheatbelt trial of the Regional Highway Safety Review would see multiple agencies travel notorious sections of highway and then identify practical safety measures to improve safety.
“Single vehicle crashes on country roads remains a significant factor in the road toll and this new method targets specific crash clusters which is aimed at having a greater impact on reducing fatal and serious crashes.”
Regional Highway Safety Review co-ordinated by the Office of Road Safety, WA Police and Main Roads
The Government’s road toll response measures and review outcomes will be funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account.