Latest news with #RoadSafetyCommission
West Australian
4 days ago
- Climate
- West Australian
WA and Perth weather: Safety warning issued to commuters ahead of wet WA Day long weekend forecast
Motorists are being urged to drive to conditions this WA Day long weekend, with showers and thunderstorms on the horizon for the Perth metro and southwest regions. As the wet weather rolls in, Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner pleaded with commuters to drive with caution. 'The biggest concern for the Road Safety Commission this long weekend is everyone's rush to start their winter break,' he said. 'That haste and eagerness to get to where they're going as fast as they can, mixed with more cars on the road and bad weather is a deadly combination.' In 2024, almost half of all traffic fatalities happened on roads with speed limits of 100km/h or higher, with most of these tragedies occurring in regional areas. 'Speed limits are the maximum safe speed under perfect road conditions; clear roads, no hazards and good weather – but when the conditions aren't favourable, busy roads, road works and bad weather, you need to slow down,' Mr Warner said. 'The speed limit is just that, a limit, not a target. Be courteous to one another on the road, slow and steady is the safe and sensible way to go.' Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast to kick off in the Perth and southwest regions from Thursday afternoon, with heavy falls also possible along the west coast. On Friday, up to 20mm of rain is expected for Perth, while Mandurah could see up to 25mm. The wet weather is expected to continue through the weekend and into next week. Particular caution is advised on Monday as holidaymakers return home, with widespread rainfall totals of 20-40mm expected and possible thunderstorms throughout the southwest. Double demerits will be in place from 12.01am on Friday to 11.59pm on Monday June 2. Commander Mike Peters of the Road Policing Command reminded motorists that officers could be anywhere and at anytime over the long weekend. 'WA Police will take an increased enforcement approach during the upcoming long weekend, targeting 'The Fatal Five', which continues to be over represented in fatal and serious crashes,' he said. 'This includes an increase in the number of high visibility patrols particularly within a 400-kilometre radius from Perth. 'Our officers do not want to knock on your door during this long weekend to deliver devastating and life changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads. 'The message is simple, don't speed. Every police vehicle across the state will be undertaking some sort of road enforcement and our safety camera fleet will also be out in force.' FRIDAY: 23C, showers and likely storms SATURDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms SUNDAY: 22C, showers MONDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms TUESDAY: 20C, showers and chance of storms WEDNESDAY: 20C, showers and chance of storms
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Climate
- Perth Now
Warning to motorists ahead of thunderstorms hitting Perth
Motorists are being urged to drive to conditions this WA Day long weekend, with showers and thunderstorms on the horizon for the Perth metro and southwest regions. As the wet weather rolls in, Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner pleaded with commuters to drive with caution. 'The biggest concern for the Road Safety Commission this long weekend is everyone's rush to start their winter break,' he said. 'That haste and eagerness to get to where they're going as fast as they can, mixed with more cars on the road and bad weather is a deadly combination.' In 2024, almost half of all traffic fatalities happened on roads with speed limits of 100km/h or higher, with most of these tragedies occurring in regional areas. 'Speed limits are the maximum safe speed under perfect road conditions; clear roads, no hazards and good weather – but when the conditions aren't favourable, busy roads, road works and bad weather, you need to slow down,' Mr Warner said. 'The speed limit is just that, a limit, not a target. Be courteous to one another on the road, slow and steady is the safe and sensible way to go.' Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast to kick off in the Perth and southwest regions from Thursday afternoon, with heavy falls also possible along the west coast. On Friday, up to 20mm of rain is expected for Perth, while Mandurah could see up to 25mm. The wet weather is expected to continue through the weekend and into next week. Particular caution is advised on Monday as holidaymakers return home, with widespread rainfall totals of 20-40mm expected and possible thunderstorms throughout the southwest. Double demerits will be in place from 12.01am on Friday to 11.59pm on Monday June 2. Commander Mike Peters of the Road Policing Command reminded motorists that officers could be anywhere and at anytime over the long weekend. 'WA Police will take an increased enforcement approach during the upcoming long weekend, targeting 'The Fatal Five', which continues to be over represented in fatal and serious crashes,' he said. 'This includes an increase in the number of high visibility patrols particularly within a 400-kilometre radius from Perth. 'Our officers do not want to knock on your door during this long weekend to deliver devastating and life changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads. 'The message is simple, don't speed. Every police vehicle across the state will be undertaking some sort of road enforcement and our safety camera fleet will also be out in force.' FRIDAY: 23C, showers and likely storms SATURDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms SUNDAY: 22C, showers MONDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms TUESDAY: 20C, showers and chance of storms WEDNESDAY: 20C, showers and chance of storms
ABC News
22-05-2025
- ABC News
Review into WA's e-scooter laws finds 'concerning' lack of compliance from riders
A review of WA's e-scooter laws have found a "concerning" lack of compliance with speed limits and a lack of enforcement, leaving pedestrians feeling unsafe. In 2021, the state government introduced laws to crack down on unsafe use of 'e-rideables' – encompassing everything from electronic scooters, unicycles, skateboards, roller skates and hoverboards. It does not include e-bicycles or devices like a Segway. Since then, the uptake of e-scooters and other e-rideables has skyrocketed, with the Road Safety Commission review describing them as a "mainstream" form of transport. Between 2017 and 2022, 74 people were admitted to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries resulting from a e-rideable incident. A review of the laws found while they are generally well-supported, some issues are causing problems — especially for pedestrians. While crash rates between e-riders and pedestrians were deemed "not significant", the report said many people felt unsafe after experiencing near-misses. The report described a concerning lack of compliance with the rules, like speeding and not giving way to pedestrians. There had also been examples of illegal or modified devices being used in public — such as larger, heavier and faster devices — and being sold in retail outlets. The report recommended more action was needed to decrease conflict between pedestrians and e-riders, especially on busy pathways. It also called for better enforcement of the rules, increased penalties, and more user education and programs for school children. The report recommended e-rideables should be allowed to be ridden on all roads with a speed limit of 50 kph or less, in order to spread the traffic. As part of the review, the Road Safety Commission conducted a survey of more than 1,000 people which found almost without exception, people found the enforcement of the laws was insufficient. Speeding along popular routes was the biggest concern, and other issues related to poor infrastructure that could contribute to crashes. It said given the small wheel size and lack of suspension, many e-rideables are heavily affected by things like cracks in pavement, tree roots and rough paving. The report said there was a general perception from people who don't ride e-rideables that they are dangerous. Nevertheless, it suggested their popularity would continue to increase as technology advances. The commission said it would now explore solutions to the issues raised in the review. Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby has been contacted for comment. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story referred to e-bikes. This review does not consider e-bicycles as an 'e-rideable'. It is focused on devices such as e-scooters and e-skateboards.
ABC News
20-05-2025
- ABC News
Review into WA's e-bike, e-scooter laws finds 'concerning' lack of compliance from riders
A review of WA's e-bike and e-scooter laws have found a "concerning" lack of compliance with speed limits and a lack of enforcement, leaving pedestrians feeling unsafe. In 2021, the state government introduced laws to crack down on unsafe use of 'e-rideables' – encompassing everything from electronic scooters, unicycles, skateboards, roller skates and hoverboards. Since then, the uptake of e-scooters and other e-rideables has skyrocketed, with the Road Safety Commission review describing them as a "mainstream" form of transport. Between 2017 and 2022, 74 people were admitted to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries resulting from a e-rideable incident. A review of the laws found while they are generally well-supported, some issues are causing problems — especially for pedestrians. While crash rates between e-riders and pedestrians were deemed "not significant", the report said many people felt unsafe after experiencing near-misses. The report described a concerning lack of compliance with the rules, like speeding and not giving way to pedestrians. There had also been examples of illegal or modified devices being used in public — such as larger, heavier and faster devices — and being sold in retail outlets. The report recommended more action was needed to decrease conflict between pedestrians and e-riders, especially on busy pathways. It also called for better enforcement of the rules, increased penalties, and more user education and programs for school children. The report recommended e-rideables should be allowed to be ridden on all roads with a speed limit of 50 kph or less, in order to spread the traffic. As part of the review, the Road Safety Commission conducted a survey of more than 1,000 people which found almost without exception, people found the enforcement of the laws was insufficient. Speeding along popular routes was the biggest concern, and other issues related to poor infrastructure that could contribute to crashes. It said given the small wheel size and lack of suspension, many e-rideables are heavily affected by things like cracks in pavement, tree roots and rough paving. The report said there was a general perception from people who don't ride e-rideables that they are dangerous. Neverhteless, it suggested their popularity would continue to increase as technology advances. The commission said it would now explore solutions to the issues raised in the review. Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby has been contacted for comment.
