The Victorian Government has launched a new round of grants for councils across the state to deliver road safety projects in their local areas.
Councils can now apply for grants of up to $100,000 to improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program.
According to the TAC, nearly half of all fatal accidents and serious injuries of pedestrians and cyclists that involve a vehicle happen on council managed roads.
“Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy, that’s why we’re working with councils across the state to implement projects that keep Victorians safe – particularly for our most vulnerable road users,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne.
Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter added, “Improving road safety in Victoria is everyone’s responsibility and the TAC’s Local Government Grants will ensure councils can continue to improve the overall health and mobility of their communities.”
The road safety grant program provides grants to projects that adopt ‘Safe System’ principles to reduce crashes. These include taking into consideration vehicles, travel speeds, road users, and the road itself.
Last year over $2 million worth of grants were provided across 38 councils, including a $100,000 grant to the Northern Grampians Shire Council for pedestrian safety works at Stawell Primary as well as a $99,000 grant to Hobson’s Bay Council to upgrade the crossing at Williamstown High School.