Jennifer Pittorino
One of Footscray’s key roads was one the most mentioned in a new survey into safety concerns on Melbourne’s transport network.
The RACV has released the results of its inaugural My Melbourne Road survey, receiving feedback from 5,000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users on their safety concerns of Melbourne’s transport network.
The survey showed the top 10 roads and the top 10 intersections with the most number of responses across Melbourne
Barkly Street-Hopkins Street in Footscray ranked number nine with the most responses in the roads category.
Inadequate or missing bike infrastructure, narrow footpaths and heavy trucks mixing with bike riders was among the feedback provided as part of the survey.
Key findings of the survey highlighted that overly complex intersections were the top issue identified and one-third of respondents called for lower speed zones on roads they use often.
RACV head of policy James Williams highlighted the most vulnerable road users, cyclists and pedestrians were the most highly represented in the feedback.
“Of the 5,000 safety concerns raised by participants, intersection safety was the area of greatest concern, followed by unsafe behaviours of other drivers, such as speeding and erratic driving,” he said.
“One-third of participants also identified that a lower speed limit on their nominated road would improve safety.”
Other key findings found many of the solutions identified by respondents are low-cost and easy to implement, including zebra crossings and better-positioned traffic lights.
“The survey results suggest that unsafe driving was heightened in congested traffic,” said Mr Williams.
“These findings are a reminder that investment in road infrastructure is critical to improving safety and that motorists also need to drive safely and to the traffic conditions.”
Other solutions identified included resurfacing potholes, intersection design, improving lighting and ensuring speed limits are fit for purpose.
