Shire of Augusta-Margaret River votes in RAC Safer Speeds trial for three-year road safety project

Councillors in the Capes have cleared the way for a major trial of speed reductions across the region despite the City of Busselton council delaying its decision on the RAC proposal until after the New Year.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council last week voted unanimously to take up the RAC’s offer of $1 million in joint funding to trial speed cuts on up to 1800 Capes local government roads.

The trial is the biggest in the country aimed at proving minor speed changes can make a big difference to the number of lives lost on regional roads.

And it comes as stakeholders across all levels of government voice concerns about the backwards march on progress to cut that toll.

Augusta-Margaret River councillors last week lauded the generally positive community feedback received, whereas the Times understands some commentators north of the border had more concerns.

Shire president Julia Meldrum said the local government took road safety with utmost seriousness.

“Road safety is a top priority for our community, and this trial is a proactive step towards protecting lives,” she said.

“By lowering speed limits on high-risk roads, we aim to make a tangible difference in reducing serious injuries and fatalities. “While the trial may result in a slight increase in travel times, the safety benefits far outweigh this.”

The RAC proposal included data from consultants who drove the routes at the suggested new limits, noting an average increase in travel time of less than two minutes.

Ms Meldrum said support for the trial was about making roads safer for everyone as well as reducing the strain on emergency service volunteers.

After the decision, RAC spokesperson Terry Durant said she appreciated the council’s vote.

“We look forward to working with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and Main Roads WA on the next steps over the months ahead,” she said.

“We know speed is a major contributor to road trauma and the aim of the trial is to create safer roads for everyone.”

Although the City of Busselton was expected to make a decision the same night, it instead delayed its vote until January 29 next year due to the mass of public submissions received during public consultation.

A public education campaign as well as new signs would roll out in early 2025.