The Western Australian Government has decided to allocate all revenues from speed camera fines to road safety initiatives by 2012. Currently the proportion allocated is only one third.

 

WA Local Government Association President Mayor Troy Pickard today welcomed the announcement, stating it would assist with implementation of the State’s Road Safety Strategy, Towards Zero.

 

 “As a member of the Road Safety Council, Local Government is committed to working with the State to deliver Towards Zero and reduce road trauma in WA. And although Towards Zero is heralded as an excellent strategy, there has previously been a disconnect between support for the strategy and funding commitments towards its implementation.”

 

Mayor Pickard said WALGA looked forward to how the revenue increase would translate to funded initiatives, and trusted there would be no reduction in current funding avenues as a result.

 

“An overall increase in funding commitments will certainly assist in delivering initiatives outlined in the strategy and we look forward to working with the State on how this can be best allocated.”

 

Mayor Pickard said Local Government would continue to advocate for a ‘safer local roads’ program to fund road safety treatments along lengths of roads and roadsides such as widening the seal, installing audible edge line and building passing lanes.

 

“Given the significant length of local roads in our State, a ‘safer local roads’ program is a vital initiative to help reduce road deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” Mayor Pickard said.