One of Perth’s most notorious congestion hot spots, on the southbound Mitchell Freeway, is no closer to a safety upgrade, despite being ranked one of WA’s most dangerous roads.
The stretch from Charles Street to the Narrows Bridge was ranked second in RAC’s 2022 Risky Roads survey of the WA community. It’s one of nearly 10 dangerous roads and intersections in Perth which have yet to receive funding for safety upgrades.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said continued investment was needed to make it safer and easier to travel.
“It’s crucial governments continue to prioritise investment to save lives, prevent serious injuries and reduce congestion on our roads, especially when the recent WA Budget outlined expenditure through the Asset Investment Program is forecast to drop from $2 billion in 2024/25 to $646 million in 2027/28,” Mr Golsby said.
“We’re pleased to see works nearing completion on some of the dangerous roads which received the most nominations, including Farrall Road in Midvale and Thomas Road in Casuarina.”
“But it is concerning that many problem spots remain unfunded, and, in some cases, without works even planned.”
RAC’s Risky Roads survey identified 20 of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Perth based on thousands of community nominations. The campaign’s aim is to encourage further government investment in road safety.
Of the 10 risky intersections in Perth, more than half – including the intersection of Marmion Avenue and Seacrest Drive in Sorrento and the intersection of Ocean Reef Road and Edgewater Drive in Edgewater – have still not had any funding allocated.
“WA consistently has one of the worst road fatality rates in the country and we continue to fall short of road trauma reduction targets,” Mr Golsby said.
So far this year, 75 people have lost their lives on WA roads, including 31 in our metropolitan area, putting our state on track for one of the worst years for road deaths since 2016.
“In WA, three people are killed and more than 30 hospitalised every week due to road trauma – costing the state economy $2.4 billion a year,” Mr Golsby said.
“That’s why this campaign continues to be so important – it amplifies our calls for safer roads across our state.”
ENDS
RAC Media Contact: Laura Gardiner, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
