Funding for local projects to protect our most vulnerable road users

Eleven practical projects aimed at improving the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists will be funded across Tasmania.

The Liberal Government is committed to the ongoing campaign to lower our road toll, and I am pleased to announce funding today under the Vulnerable Road User Program to protect vulnerable road users.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists accounted for almost a third of Tasmanian road fatalities and 40 per cent of serious injuries over the past five years.

Compared to drivers and passengers in motor vehicles, they are completely unprotected and, as such, have a high risk of being severely injured in crashes.

Under the Vulnerable Road Users Program, we will provide a little over $700,000 to local councils for a range of projects.

The Devonport City Council will receive $210,000 for three projects to provide pedestrian refuges, a shared bike and pedestrian path, and additional street lights and warning signs on the Don and Stony Rise roads.

Other projects to be funded include a pedestrian crossing on Main Rd, Sorell ($43,500), speed humps at Greens Beach ($10,000) and kerb ramps, a pedestrian refuge and line marking at Hopkins St, Glenorchy ($10,000).

Three projects remain under consideration by the Project Steering Committee.

As a community, we need to work together to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries and the projects funded this program are about taking practical action to improve safety.

Further information on the Vulnerable Road Users Program is available at www.transport.tas.gov.au
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure