A significant new $25 million boost for ‘black spot’ funding is set to enhance road safety for motorists in Victoria.
Federal Government Pledges Significant Road Safety Fund
Over 50 high-risk areas across the state will benefit from the funding.
The federal government has announced an investment of $25.6 million into a renewed Black Spot road safety scheme in Victoria. This initiative is designed to bolster safety precautions in areas notorious for accidents.
From the 2023-24 period onwards, 57 perilous sites across the state will see safety improvements.
The Black Spot Programme, which has been active for many years, dedicates funds to the establishment of safety features such as traffic lights and roundabouts in zones with a high incidence of accidents or those perceived to be at elevated risk.
The federal government believes that these 57 Black Spot projects will play a pivotal role in diminishing severe injuries and fatalities on Victoria’s roads, building upon prior investments in the region.
“I’m delighted to unveil these 57 Black Spot projects throughout Victoria and extend my gratitude to the local communities for their nominations,” says federal assistant transport minister Carol Brown.
“We remain dedicated to allocating $110 million annually to the Black Spot Programme, collaborating with state, territory, and local governments to elevate road safety across Australia.
“Our primary objective is to ensure the safety of Australians on our roads. These 57 new initiatives in Victoria will enhance safety, serve our communities, and curtail road-related distress.”
Black Spot Consultative Panels offer stakeholders the chance to influence the project selection process, ensuring that the most crucial and relevant nominations from local communities receive endorsement.
The Victorian review panel comprises members from the Municipal Association of Victoria, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Victorian Transport Association, Victorian Police Service, Road Safety Victoria, Traffic Management Association of Australia, and the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.
Funded projects encompass roads and junctions in locations such as Shepparton, Bendigo, Latrobe City, South Gippsland, Warrnambool, the Surf Coast, Hume, Greater Geelong, the Mornington Peninsula, Whittlesea, Wyndham, Mildura, Moreland, the Bass Coast, Greater Dandenong, Cardinia, Darebin, Wangaratta, Melbourne, and Boroondara. A comprehensive list is available in the federal government’s announcement.
“We wholeheartedly appreciate this notable investment, which is instrumental in ensuring our roads are safer for every user. This will empower us to implement pivotal road safety enhancements across our state,” comments Victorian roads minister Melissa Horne.
“The Black Spot Programme resonates deeply with Victoria’s road safety vision, propelling us towards our ambition of zero fatalities on Victorian roads by 2050.”