IPWEA/RTA Local Government Road Safety Strategy
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.
Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards
The 2005 Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards attracted 28 nominations from some 33 Councils across New South Wales. The awards, sponsored by the Motor Accidents Authority, were presented at the Annual Conference of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) – NSW Division, in Sydney on 23 May 2005. For further information, please contact Jacqui Clarke, Road Safety Project Manager, on (02) 8267 3012.
WINNER
Tumut, Tumbarumba and Gundagai
Shire Councils Sharing the Road with Log Trucks
Planning for this project commenced in April 2003, with the formation of the Forest Industry Council Safety Solutions Group. This project was one strategy of the Safety Solutions Group. The project aimed to raise motorists’ awareness of sharing the road with trucks as well as log haulage driver awareness of safer driving behaviour. The project was multi-faceted and included the dissemination of brochures, a media campaign, information packs, a Safety First Newsletter for the log haulage companies and a Reporting Line was established to record information from road users on unsafe behaviour as well as road hazards. Sharing the Road with Log Trucks was commended for its clear identification of a local road safety issue. It met a specific local need and made the best use of local networks. It has also been effective in encouraging long term support from the community and local industry. Congratulations to Tumut, Tumbarumba and Gundagai Shire Councils.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Dubbo City Council
Wash Off the Dirt and Wipe Off Your Speed
This project aimed to raise awareness about urban speeding amongst young male drivers. The key strategy was to target young male drivers in their own social environment and align a road safety message with their activities. The local police suggested car washes as an ideal venue. Promotional resources were developed for distribution at the car wash venues and a media campaign was developed utilising both radio and newspaper advertising. The project also linked in with the introduction of the 50km/h urban speed limit into Dubbo City. Wash Off the Dirt and Wipe Off Your Speed was commended due to its integrated range of activities, and its strong links with the community and the police. The strong links will pave the way for further gains within the community with key stakeholders. Congratulations to Dubbo City Council.
Camden, Campbelltown City and Wollondilly Shire Councils
Log Book Run: Drives for Learners in Macarthur
The Log Book Run is a practical and educational project that targets learner drivers and their supervisors. This project links in with the Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS), by providing a detailed booklet of the routes and maps that present a variety of driving conditions and road types. The planned drives assist the learner driver and their supervisor to accrue driving time, which assists them with obtaining the 50 hours of on-road driving experience required, as part of the licensing process. The Log Book Run has provided a practical tool to learners and their supervisors. The cooperation achieved across Council boundaries and the wider community has been positive and has paved the way for future expansion of the project. Congratulations to Camden, Campbelltown City and Wollondilly Shire Councils.
Kogarah Municipal Council
Drive – a driver awareness program for senior drivers
Drive is a three day program that takes participants through a wide range of practical and theoretical group activities. This includes two individual on-road driving assessments. The workshops aim to explore the issues that relate to keeping senior drivers safer on the roads as well as to consider community services, including alternative transport options. It is a proactive approach toward seniors maintaining their mobility and enhancing their driving skills and knowledge. This project has been commended as it incorporates practical information workshops and hands on training to provide relevant advice to seniors in Kogarah. The project’s evaluation shows marked improvements in driver behaviour. Congratulations to Kogarah Municipal Council.
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