Pedestrians will be able to travel more safely thanks to a significant investment from the Allan Labor Government in road safety infrastructure and upgrades.

This year, 25 pedestrians have been killed on Victorian roads. The $23 million investment will improve pedestrian safety in areas where those on foot are more at risk.

To help drive down pedestrian related road trauma, local councils applied for funding to develop and deliver upgrades in areas or on sections of road that pose a pedestrian safety risk in their community.

This round of funding will support developments at some high priority sites, including wombat crossings on the west and north leg of the roundabout at Barwon Head Rd and Golf Link Rd in Barwon Heads as well as wombat crossings with footpath connections around the roundabout at Grubb Rd and Shell Rd in Ocean Grove.

This round of funding also supports the development of pedestrian crossing upgrades at the Ferguson Street and Melbourne Road intersection in Williamstown, wombat crossings at busy intersections in Ocean Grove and Highton, and other pedestrian upgrades at Benalla, Kangaroo Flat, Wangaratta and Pascoe Vale.

Pedestrian safety treatments such as raised priority crossings, wombat crossings, zebras with speed cushions on the approaches, raised intersections, and pedestrian operated signals will be a priority across local and arterial roads.

The Safe System Pedestrian Infrastructure program aims to improve pedestrian safety across the state by investing in upgrades at locations where pedestrian crashes have been identified, or where there is a high risk.

The package supports Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 which aims to significantly reduce road trauma and halve road deaths by 2030.

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne

“This investment will go a long way to improve pedestrian safety right across the state – by giving local councils the chance to address the issues and concerns impacting their communities.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“We are building safe roads across the state for all road users and making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go, especially pedestrians.”

Quotes attributable to Executive Director Road Safety Victoria Marcelo Vidales

“We’re supporting communities across the state to protect some of our most vulnerable road users by providing grants to prevent and reduce the number of lives lost and serious injuries on our roads.

“We all have a role to play in looking out for each other and sharing the road safely, especially for those who are walking on local roads and streets.”

Quote attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter

“Working with local councils is integral to improving safety infrastructure to better protect pedestrians, make the roads safer and more liveable for everyone who uses them.”