Regional plan looks to improve safety on Wellington roads
By Tim O?Connell
A renewed focus on traffic safety is on the agenda for our local councils after a recent report highlights a need to reduce the number of crashes in our region. An annual monitoring report on the Regional Land Transport Strategy found that during the 2007/2008 period, motorists on Wellington roads were involved in a staggering 1212 crashes that resulted in injury-a record high. The disturbing figures prompted a call late last year from the Regional Transport Committee to further investigate the statistics. A report, carried out by a working party from the Police, Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the NZTA was brought before the Regional Transport Committee on April 8 for consideration. While any decisions made in the wake of the committee meeting was not known at the time of going to press, it was understood that change was set to be a major part of any future plans for roading in the area. In acknowledging the problem faced by authorities to bring down the casualty rate on the roads, the report also suggested that a fresh approach to road safety is required. The overall number of crashes in the region were significantly higher than what was expected given the population and rate of travel within the region-perhaps the biggest single indicator of the extent of the problem. Factors such as speed and alcohol remain a prevalent cause of many accidents, especially amongst males under the age of 49. A rise in the number of people using motorcycles saw a subsequent increase in crashes on two wheeled vehicles, while serious accidents involving cyclists reached its highest level in 2007. A possible revamp of the way safety issues are dealt with has been welcomed by local authorities, with the need for new measures seen as an urgent necessity rather than a project to be gradually introduced. Joe Hewitt, Greater Wellington?s Transport Strategy Development Manager said ?It is clear that a ?business as usual? approach is not continuing to improve road safety.?
