Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Safe Systems Speed Project for Local Roads
Contact: Joanne Wilson-Ridley
Phone: 1300 735 025
Email: joanne.wilsonridley@qprc.nsw.gov.au
The Project
With speed involved in almost 31 per cent of casualty crashes, the Queanbeyan-Palerang region has embraced a data-led approach to improving driver behaviour.
Central to this approach is establishing the ‘85th percentile’ baseline for known trouble spots, namely what speed would 85 per cent of drivers choose in the absence of any intervention? If this speed is unsafe, can physical changes be employed through alternative road treatments? Can the use of mobile ‘speed trailers’ that provide motorists with a direct indication of their vehicles" speed approaching road works and other speed restricted areas also help, giving direct feedback to drivers on their own behaviour?
With a methodical approach to assessing both problems and solutions through this data-rich project, Queanbeyan-Palerang is delivering measurable improvements in driver behaviour. To date, 51 sites achieved a reduction in excess speeding when treated with mobile speed trailers.
Community Outcomes
Safer speeds benefit everyone. This project has also reshaped conversations among key groups and local stakeholders and fostered the sharing of data, which informs the best use of limited council resources.
Next Steps
Broadening the use of this approach into other areas will deliver greater gains, encouraging safer speeds in an increasing number of identified trouble spots over time in this vibrant regional area.