Pedestrians will be able to walk around more safely on our local roads thanks to a significant investment from the Andrews Labor Government in road safety infrastructure and upgrades.

This year, 25 pedestrians have been killed on Victorian roads. The new $23 million investment will improve pedestrian safety in areas where those on foot are more at risk.

To help drive down pedestrian related road trauma, local councils applied for funding to develop and deliver upgrades on roads that pose a pedestrian safety risk in their community.

This round of funding will support developments at some high priority sites, including improving pedestrian access at the Ararat West Primary School, as well as upgrades in Collings, High and Barkley streets in Ararat, with a $680,000 investment.

As part of the investment, the safety of students, staff and the crossing supervisor at Ararat West Primary School will be improved, with a wombat crossing to be installed to slow oncoming traffic.

A formal place for pedestrians to cross the Western Highway at Collings Street will also be developed, as well as a wombat crossing to slow traffic through High Street and allow safer crossing to the medical centre in Barkley Street and upgrades to the current pedestrian crossing in Barkley Street to a raised platform crossing.   

Pedestrian safety treatments such as raised priority crossings, wombat crossings, zebras with speed cushions on the approaches, raised intersections, and pedestrian operated signals will be a priority across local and arterial roads.

The Safe System Pedestrian Infrastructure program aims to improve pedestrian safety across the state by investing in upgrades at locations where pedestrian crashes have been identified, or where there is a high risk. The package supports Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 which aims to significantly reduce road trauma and halve road deaths by 2030.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“We are building safe roads across the state for all road users and making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go, including pedestrians.”

“I have been contacted by concerned parents at Ararat West Primary School and raised this issue in parliament and directly with the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. I’m so glad action is being taken to improve safety so that local students can get to and from school without fear of a horrible collision.”