Every day, many Victorians drive to get to where they need, or want, to go.

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Whilst we need laws relating to how we use our roads, I know that not everyone will have the same thoughts.

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This is why our road laws need to be reformed to give Victorian drivers more choice and responsibility, ensuring the greatest amount of satisfaction for Victorian motorists.

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That way, Victorians can feel even happier when driving, improving their non-material living standards. It can also reduce the number of traffic offences and possibly road trauma.

 

This is why I will make sure Victorian road laws are fairer for all if I gain a seat in the Victorian Parliament.

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This is particularly relevant in an era where new technology has been, or could be utilised, to make our roads safer.

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Changes to road laws can include, but not limited to:

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·         Increasing the absolute maximum speed limit of Victoria’s roads to as high as 140 km/h, starting with the freeway between Melbourne and Ballarat/Bendigo and progressively expanding to the remainder of the regional Victorian freeway network. Some Victorian highways can also have their speed limits increased to 110 km/h or 120 km/h where practical. This will ensure Victorians can get from A to B faster, which means they can drive further or spend less time behind the wheel, improving our productivity.

·         Abolishing the 100 km/h speed limit for heavy vehicles. The removal of this restriction will start with buses first, acknowledging that many Victorians will want to go from one place to another faster, which can also be supplemented by buses being allowed to drive in emergency lanes in all Victorian freeways once necessary upgrades are delivered. It will then be extended to most trucks, which lower costs of distribution of goods and services, benefiting our consumers.

·         Abolishing peer passenger restrictions for P1 drivers. While P1 drivers may be inexperienced, they should have the same rights as other drivers whilst being trusted to maintain their driving task. This will give P1 drivers more choice and freedom. It will also reduce traffic congestion, particularly during peak periods and at a time where there are more licensed drivers on the road, as well as boosting morale and connectedness amongst young people.

·         Lowering the minimum driving age from 18 to 17, allowing young people in outer and regional areas to get where they need to go easier, but will also allow all young Victorian drivers to enjoy this level of freedom at an earlier age. This will separate from the legal drinking age which may potentially reduce road trauma. Victoria is the only state in Australia where you have to be at least 18 years of age to get your Ps.

·         Increasing the speed limit tolerance back to 10 km/h over the speed limit. This ensures Victorians can drive without the fear of getting booked, preventing unnecessary financial burden on Victorian drivers. Currently the speed limit tolerance in Victoria is 2 or 3 km/h over the speed limit, depending on the speed cameras, making this the lowest in the world.

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Published on November 30, 2017