A digital speed monitor trailer has been placed in Victoria Street in Parkes to prompt drivers to watch their speed and keep to the limit, as part of Parkes Shire Council’s current Slow Down In My Street campaign.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The speed monitor trailer contains a radar device to check the speed of passing traffic and research shows that they have a large impact in not just reducing the speed at which people travel but also increasing the driver’s awareness of their vehicle’s travelling speed.
Parkes Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, assures drivers that the speed checks are a courtesy only.
“The speed monitor trailer reminds drivers of the posted speed limit and prompts them to adjust their speed if necessary,” she said.
“We want motorists to realise that their speeding is part of a much bigger problem. Every car travelling over the posted speed limit poses a risk to other road users, especially the vulnerable such as child and aged pedestrians.
“Research indicates that reducing speed, even by just a few kilometres, makes a big difference to the outcome of crashes.
“Speed surveys have already been conducted in Victoria Street and show that 60% of vehicles were exceeding the 50km/h posted speed limit. A follow-up speed survey will be conducted at the conclusion of the project.”
The speed monitor trailers will be in use for the next few weeks before a period of Police enforcement begins.
Other project strategies include a letterbox drop to residents to advise them of the project, provide information about the dangers and consequences of speeding and distribute 'Slow Down In My Street' wheelie bin stickers. The wheelie bin stickers are a great weekly reminder on garbage collection day to slow down.
Council will also be working with Kids N Traffic and Victoria Street Childcare Centre to address specific road safety issues and educate children and parents.
