Warning over new highway

18 September 2009

The RAC is warning motorists not to use the new section of the Perth-Bunbury Highway as a racetrack or personal speedway.

The new section of the highway will be opened on Sunday when thousands of cyclists will be the first to use the road.

But the highway will then be in strong demand from motorists heading south for the long weekend and school holidays.

The RAC played a key role in a working group which ensured that safety features were designed into the 70km of dual carriageway road.

But RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown said the road will only be as safe as road users make it.

“This is a fantastic piece of infrastructure which will be a legacy asset for the State,” Mr Brown said.

“The process for ensuring safety was designed into the road at construction will also be a template for future road infrastructure projects.

“Our big concern is that there will always be a hardcore of drivers out there who think the road rules don’t apply to them and will try to use this piece of road to push their vehicles to the limit.

“The fact that this is a safe piece of highway won’t save people from a fatal accident if they are speeding or drink-driving.

“Fatal and serious accidents involving speed have happened on both the Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways in recent years.

“When you speed or drink drive, you pose a threat to yourself, your passengers and to other road users.

“The WA Police will be out in force in the coming weeks to crackdown on motorists who think they can use this piece of highway as a racetrack. You will be caught and you will be punished.”

Download the release (pdf)