The Tasmanian Greens today secured a commitment from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services to investigate the merits of rolling out vehicle-activated speed warning signs statewide, to reduce Tasmania’s road toll.
Greens Emergency Services spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said the signs can be used to warn drivers when they were approaching or exceeding the speed limit, or to warn of an upcoming hazard or a change in road conditions.
“Despite ongoing community education programs, vehicle speed remains a key factor contributing to the state’s road toll,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“The evidence suggests that road safety is significantly improved by alerting drivers when they are speeding and providing early warning to road users of approaching hazards.”
“By rolling out speed warning signs, we can significantly reduce the incidence of speeding in areas where there is a high accident risk.”
“They are considered cost effective, and are already used effectively in school zones.”
“We welcome the Minister’s commitment to refer this matter to the Road Safety Council, and we look forward to receiving an update on the applicability of speed warning signs in Tasmania as soon as possible.”
“We are about to enter the summer festive and tourist season, and with the road toll already up on this time last year, we need to be doing all we can to reduce the deaths on our roads.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Police and Emergency Services Spokesperson Friday, 23 November 2012
