More road funding needed
08 August 2008
The RAC has welcomed the announcement of planned road improvements for Byford but says the Government’s true commitment to road safety will been seen through its full adoption and funding of the new Road Safety Strategy.
The improvements announced yesterday are planned for three intersections along the South Western Highway – a section of road that was rated with just 2 stars out of 5 in an RAC AusRAP report earlier this year.
RAC Executive Manager Member Advocacy David Moir said while he welcomed these road improvements, more needed to be done.
“This is a great announcement that will help to increase the safety of motorists travelling through Byford,” Mr Moir said.
“However, if the Government is really committed to saving lives on Western Australian roads it will fully adopt and fully fund the road safety strategy Towards Zero.”
Mr Moir said the improvements for Byford were a step in the right direction but there were still too many dangerous roads across the State.
The AusRAP report shows that WA has an unacceptable amount of sub-standard highways: 1,000km of our major highways are rated for safety at only 2 stars out of a possible 5 stars.
“We’re calling on the Government to commit to the Towards Zero strategy and give it the required amount of money to make it work” Mr Moir said.
“Without that commitment, announcements such as the road improvements at Byford won’t have a significant impact on cutting the deaths and injuries on WA’s roads.”
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