WA scheme to rate roads
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Experts are working on a new safety ratings tool for local government roads in WA.
In partnership with the University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research, WALGA’s RoadWise initiative will use funding from the Australian Government Office of Road Safety’s Road Safety Innovation Fund, to create and review road safety ratings tools in consultation with local governments.
WALGA President Mayor Tracey Roberts says the opportunity to work with UWA’s Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research on this new project is exciting because it will provide an evidence base for assessing the safety of local roads.
“Local Governments also manage 87 per cent of the road network,” Cr Roberts said.
“The role of Local Governments as system designers is important when it comes to road safety.
“Local Governments have a strategic and operational role as road managers, planning authorities and fleet managers - in addition to their community development and leadership roles.”
UWA’s Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research, Professor Lynn Meuleners and Associate Professor Paul Roberts said they were looking forward to working with WALGA’s RoadWise to progress the Safety Ratings for Local Roads project.
“Implementing a safety rating tool will provide Local Governments with high level information about their road network which will help support strategic decision-making to improve the safety performance of their road network,” Dr Roberts said.