Michael Pettersson MLA switched on the first ‘smiley face’ speed detection sign at Abena Avenue in Crace. Photo: Supplied.
‘Smiley-face’ speed detecting signs will pop up in Canberra streets with some of the worst speeding problems over the next 12 months, as the ACT Government trials a new initiative to help combat speeding.
Busy residential streets in Calwell, Crace, Pearce and Weetangera will be the first to get the speed detection signs for a three-month period, with a further seven suburbs to have the portable signs installed during the trial.
Motorists driving along the busy streets will see a ‘smiley face’ if they are travelling within the speed limit or a ‘Slow Down’ message if they are speeding.
Michael Pettersson MLA represented ACT Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris in switching on the first speed detection sign at Abena Avenue in Crace on Wednesday.
Mr Petterson said that the signs are being placed on streets that are known to have speeding problems or have received a high number of resident complaints.
“We hope this will remind motorists to drive to the speed limit and be careful in some of these busy areas,” Mr Pettersson said.
“The signs are expected to remain at one location for up to three months before being relocated elsewhere.
“We are confident that this period is sufficient to positively influence the behaviour of motorists.”
The other three streets to begin trialling the speed detecting signs this month are Casey Crescent in Calwell, MacFarland Crescent in Pearce and Springvale Drive in Weetangera.
The other streets selected to be included in the 12-month trial are:
- Stonehaven Crescent, Deakin
- Kerrigan Street, Dunlop
- Amy Ackman Street, Forde
- Jim Pike Avenue, Gordon
- Ainsworth Street, Mawson
- Newman-Morris Circuit, Oxley
- Beasley Street, Torrens.
ACT Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury said the signs have been successful in other jurisdictions including Queensland and NSW.
“These new speed detecting signs are not enforcement devices but detect motorist’s speed as they approach the sign,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“The ACT Government hopes these signs will encourage motorists to be mindful of their driving behaviours and I urge all motorists to be safe when travelling on our streets.
“Be aware of speed limits and the road conditions, slow down and drive safely – for all road users.
“There is no excuse for speeding, especially in high-risk areas like school zones where some of our most vulnerable road users are.”
A grant of $40,000 was awarded to the trial in the 2016 round of the ACT Road Safety Fund grants program.
According to Transport Canberra and City Services, the signs will be installed in small concrete footings below the ground on ACT-owned nature strips.
When the signs are removed from each location the footing will be closed with a lid, thereby sitting flush with ground level.
The trial is to be completed early next year with an evaluation of the effectiveness of the signs in reducing travelling speeds to be completed by the end of next year.
Do you think the ‘smiley face’ signs will be effective in reducing speeding problems? Have the best streets been chosen for the trial or are there problem streets which have been missed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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