RACV calls on Melburnians to have their say on roads

RACV is asking Melburnians how roads across the entire city can be made safer through the My Melbourne Road survey. Responses are being sought from all road users whether they ride a bike, drive a car or walk.

The survey uses an interactive map showing roads from 31 local council areas. Survey participants can provide feedback by filling out information about how a section of road or intersection can be improved from a safety perspective.

The interactive map also shows participants where serious injuries and deaths have occurred on roads between 2016 and 2019.

In 2022, 106 people died on Melbourne roads, with the four-year average between 2018 and 2021 being 105. Additionally, the first 44 days of 2023 resulted in 17 fatalities on Melbourne roads. An increase in rainfall and severe weather events as a result of a La Niña weather phase led to an increase in potholes, flash flooding and safety hazards.

Melbourne recorded 33 pedestrian deaths and eight cyclist deaths in 2022. For pedestrians, the four-year average between 2018 and 2021 was 25 and six for cyclists.

RACV General Manager Automotive Services Jackie Pedersen said the My Melbourne Road survey provides an opportunity for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to highlight road and driving conditions that have given them cause for concern and assist RACV in achieving a safer road environment for all modes of transport.

“RACV really wants to know what Melburnians think about the roads, intersections and routes that make up their daily commutes,” said Pedersen.

“For example, is the speed limit too high? Are certain lanes too narrow? Is there inadequate signage that could lead to collisions? Have potholes or deteriorating road surfaces made a certain road dangerous to travel on?

“When talking about Melbourne roads, it’s not just drivers we’re hoping to hear from. We want to be a voice for everyone including pedestrians, bike riders and public transport users. This is your chance to speak up and be heard.”

Pedersen said RACV will share the input from survey participants with all levels of government.

“We want to gather as much data as we can so that we can highlight and encourage meaningful changes that can deliver safety improvements and help save lives,” she said.

The survey follows RACV’s My Country Road survey in 2021, in which more than 4,000 Victorians provided feedback on the state of Victoria’s regional and rural roads. In the survey, 31 roads were highlighted as having serious safety issues. Of these, 16 have seen infrastructure upgrades commence or committed to by government.

Take the My Melbourne Road survey online at www.racv.com.au/mymelbourneroad