Speed Awareness Monitors (SAMs) are now operational near
Moolap Primary School and Highton’s Montpellier Primary School to reduce vehicle speeds and increase
safety around school crossings.
We’re
trialling the ‘Speed Awareness Monitors program - Drive Slow for SAM’
initiative along Moolap Station Road, Moolap and Mount Pleasant Road, Highton.
The SAMs are designed to reduce speed and change
driver behaviour in high pedestrian areas. Previous trials at other councils
have been successful with data indicating an average speed reduction of
8.1 km/h by those initially alerted of exceeding the speed limit.
The signage displays each vehicle’s speed and then either
a green smiley face for those within the speed limit or a red sad face for
those exceeding it. The emojis are also intended to engage young children so
that they will encourage their parents and carers to slow down when driving in
the area.
The emojis can be updated for seasonal
holidays like Christmas and Easter or major events such as the AFL Grand Final.
This variety helps prevent driver fatigue from seeing the same signs and serves
as a continual reminder to drive safely.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
Council introduced
the new initiative to enhance school crossing safety.
By
slowing down behind the wheel, we are making our school crossings safer for
school children, families and school staff at Moolap
Primary School and Montpellier Primary School.
Our
new Speed Awareness Monitors will remind
drivers that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, as we work towards
our Vision Zero goal.
City
Transport portfolio chair Councillor Ron Nelson
The Speed Awareness Monitors aim to protect our
most vulnerable community members.
We are excited to trial these monitors which have had success in other
municipalities and led to a drop in speed of 8.1
km/h by drivers exceeding the speed limit.
Council looks forward to seeing the results of a comprehensive
project evaluation following the trial, which will gauge the effectiveness of
this initiative at these locations.
Speed Awareness Monitors do not have number plate
recognition. They only record how many vehicles pass the monitors and their
speed, providing us with valuable data on general driver behaviour and
effectiveness of the devices.