RAC budget submission call for adrenalin shot for road safety
23 February 2009
The RAC is calling on the State Government to use this year’s Budget to kick-start the Towards Zero road safety strategy using a $55m funding shot from the expanded speed camera program.
Without the funding the RAC says the strategy could be left high and dry.
WA’s peak motoring lobby also wants a guarantee from the Government that 100 per cent of the revenue raised from an expanded speed camera program will be re-invested into road safety initiatives – a figure that currently stands at only one third.
To boost regional road safety the RAC is calling on the Government to introduce a ‘Regional Roads Rescue package’ worth $25m in year one increasing to $40m in year two. The package would target the high number of fatalities and injuries on WA’s regional areas and be funded through Royalties for Regions program.
The wide ranging submission also focuses on transport infrastructure, vehicles and the environment, community safety and tourism.
Road Safety RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown said a business as usual approach to road safety in the State Budget was not an option given that new speed cameras will deliver significant new funds into the government’s coffers.
“With the tougher economic climate there is little prospect of ‘new’ money for initiatives in the State Budget,” Mr Brown said.
“We are calling for a modest initial investment in these programs of $55million in 2009/10, allowing some room for the Government to also cover the cost of buying and operating the additional cameras.
“Our proposals are fiscally responsible because they would, in effect, be cost neutral.
“We can have better speed enforcement, safer drivers and new investments in safer roads – but only if the government supports the reasonable proposition that the additional revenue from speed cameras goes into road safety initiatives and doesn’t disappear into consolidated revenue.
Mr Brown said the RAC is also working on a proposal for the National Party’s Royalties for the Regions fund to invest in a Regional Roads Rescue Program to target unsafe country roads.
“Around 60 per cent of road fatalities happen on country roads and more than 80 per cent of them involve single vehicle run-off-road accidents,” Mr Brown said.
“The Regional Roads Rescue Program would allow us to identify road lengths with poor safety records and then develop solutions appropriate to those roads.
“This could be as simple as audible edge lines, sealing verges or clearing roadside obstacles.
“A four year commitment to this work would provide an enormous road safety return for the regions.”
Vehicle & Emissions The RAC says the Government should also look to exempt green cars with emissions of 140gkm from stamp duty to encourage people to buy green.
“There are 16 car manufacturers that offer ‘green’ cars with 51 models available for sale in WA. This stamp duty reduction would offer a financial incentive to people buying an environmentally friendly car,” Mr Brown said.
“The RAC would also seek assurances from Government that they would continue to offer the LPG conversion rebate for the term of Government – both measures are consistent and responsible in the pursuit to reduce emissions.”
Public Transport Mr Brown said new investments in public transport remained a high priority with RAC members.
“We think the government made a good decision to expand the northern rail to Butler and Brighton,” Mr Brown said.
“We also need to develop a clear picture of the financial implications of the proposal to build a rail line to Ellenbrook.
“We believe the current proposal is significantly under-funded. The government should conduct a feasibility study which includes other options, such as an O-Bahn style guided busway, for delivering improved public transport to the area.
“The government also needs to make an early investment in delivering on its commitment for extra car parking spaces at rail stations.”
The following measures are proposed for inclusion in the 2009/10 State Budget:
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Measures proposed by RAC
(not including Liberal Party election commitments)
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Cost
09/10
$m
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Revenue
09/10
$m |
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Expansion of Accident Black Spots program |
20 |
|
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Expansion of Safer Roads program |
15 |
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Metropolitan intersection safety upgrades |
15 |
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Base funding for Road Trauma Trust Fund set at $20m |
5 |
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Regional Roads Rescue (from Royalties for the Regions) |
25 |
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Implement Enhanced Speed Enforcement package |
|
70 |
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Cut stamp duty on “green” cars |
2.3 |
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Maintain current car registration charges |
- |
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Abolish registration and licence fees for all seniors |
3 |
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Regional tourism promotion (from Royalties for the Regions) |
5 |
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