Road Safety Strategy
We are committed to providing safe travel for all road users. Our 'Towards Zero' Road Safety Strategy(PDF, 5MB) is an innovative plan to guide and implement the vision for road safety.
Closely aligned with the Victorian government’s Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy, our strategy aims to promote safe road travel to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Stonnington's roads. This is based on the Safe System principles, which have been recognised worldwide as the most advanced and effective long-term approach to eliminating road trauma.
With Stonnington's population expected to grow by 23% to more than 143,000 by 2036, there will be even greater demand on our local traffic network. We aim to cater for increased trips on all transport modes while improving the safety of all road users.
Road safety and safer speed limits
Speed contributes significantly to the severity of the road crashes and resulting injuries. Speeding is a major contributor to Victorian road deaths and trauma, and even small increases in travel speed can mean huge increases in the likelihood of a crash that causes death or serious injury.
According to VicRoads Safety Statistics, lower travelling speeds on our urban roads have contributed to significant reductions in pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries since 2001.
Research conducted by independent road safety specialists to help us develop our 'Towards Zero' Road Safety Strategy revealed that during the five-year period from July 2011 to June 2016, there were 10 fatalities and 632 serious injuries on Stonnington's roads.
Safer speed limits on local roads
One of the ways that we are seeking to reduce road fatalities and injuries in Stonnington is by introducing 40km/h speed zones in some local streets.
We are introducing Area 40 speed zones in Toorak and Prahran in the residential precinct bordered by Williams Road, Orrong Road, Alexandra Avenue and Dandenong Road. The areas bordered by Punt Road, Toorak Road, Williams Road and Dandenong Road already have a 40km/h speed limit.
By introducing Area 40 speed zones, we are improving safety for all road users. Lower speed limits increase safety for all road users, especially vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
What is an Area 40 speed limit?
An area speed limit applies to a network of roads within an area. The 40km/h speed limit applies to all local streets within the area. Area speed limit signs are placed at each entry to and exit from the area. Repeater signs are placed beyond the initial area speed limit sign.
Will lower speeds mean I will be delayed when driving?
Travel time on urban streets is influenced by a number of factors. These include slowing and stopping at intersections, levels of traffic congestion, on-street parking manoeuvres and the number of pedestrians crossing the street. Any delays that drivers may experience due to a change in speed limit would be minimal. The marginal impact on travel times is far outweighed by a significant benefit in terms of safety for the whole community.
Will Council monitor the change in speed?
Assessments of before and after, two-way, weekday, 85th percentile speeds for a number of streets within the precinct will be used to assess the effectiveness of the Area 40 speed zone.
The 85th percentile speed is the speed at which 85% of traffic travels at or below. This statistic is commonly used by traffic engineers and transport planners for analysis purposes and is typically considered a measure of the operating speed limit of the road.
Longer term monitoring will also consider crash data to determine the effect of the Area 40 implementation on crashes.
Cyclists and pedestrians
Cyclists
We are committed to encouraging more people to ride their bikes, and supporting bike safety is an important step. For more information on cycling in Stonnington and tips on staying safe go to our Sustainable transport: cycling page.
Pedestrians
As a pedestrian, plan where you will walk and always choose the safest place to cross a road. VicRoads has a set of resources about pedestrian safety when crossing roads.
As a pedestrian, you must:
- never look at your phone while crossing the road
- use the shortest or most direct way to cross a road
- cross to the nearest edge of the road after getting off a tram
- obey traffic instructions from a police officer
- give way to vehicles at roundabouts
- obey 'no pedestrian' signs
- cross at pedestrian crossings – you must not cross the road within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing
- Give way when crossing a path which is for bicycles and wheeled devices (a path showing a 'Bicycle lane' sign).
Motorcyclists
To help protect yourself and your passenger, it is very important that you:
Take the VicRoads motorcycle safety test.
How other road users can help keep motorcyclists safe:
- When driving, keep an eye out for motorcyclists and check your mirrors
- Do not let yourself be distracted while driving or as a pedestrian
- Respect other road users, particularly motorcyclists who are extremely vulnerable in a crash.
More information on motorcycle safety can be found on the VicRoads website.
Driver safety programs
Fit2Drive
The Fit2Drive Foundation (F2D) is a not-for-profit community partnership dedicated to reducing youth road trauma. F2D seeks to help young people make responsible decisions when faced with risky driving situations, whether as a passenger or a driver.
The F2D Foundation is funded by the Transport Accident Commission, VicRoads, Department of Education and Training, RACV and local government, as well as sponsorship, school subscriptions and fundraising. F2D also invites university students to run workshops for young people in school and community settings.
TAC L2P (Learner driver mentor program)
L2P is a community-based program that assists young people facing significant barriers in completing their 120 hours of on-road driving experience required to attain their probationary driver licence. Young people are matched with trained volunteer mentors who support them to attain their 120 hours of supervised driving.
The City of Stonnington-supported program is facilitated by Melbourne City Mission, funded by TAC and administered through VicRoads. The program supports road safety by building the confidence and skills of young learner drivers.
Older road users
VicRoads statistics show older drivers to be the fastest-growing risk group for road crashes. Stonnington’s Road Safety policy includes delivering road safety programs that promote driver safety for road users over the age of 60.
For more information on our programs please contact our Road User Behaviour Officer on 03 8290 1333. You can also find more information on transport options for seniors on the RACV website.
Safety around schools
Promoting road safety around schools is an important component of Stonnington's 'Towards Zero' Road Safety Strategy. If you are a teacher or parent and interested in discussing safe active transport to and from school, or if you require support to develop a school travel plan or would like to discuss strategies to support involvement in active transport initiatives, such as Ride2School Day and National Walk Safely to School Day, please contact our Road User Behaviour Officer on 03 8290 1333.
Safe routes to school maps
These maps show you the safest routes to each school, along with details on the safe walking procedure.
Teach your children to Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
School crossing supervisors
School crossing supervisors are a much-loved figure in our local community.
They play an important role in keeping children safe as they make their way to school.
Crossing supervisors help children cross busy roads at designated crossings between 8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm on school days. If you are interested in becoming a school crossing supervisor, visit our Careers page to learn more.
If you have any questions about our school crossings, please email us at council@stonnington@vic.gov.au or call 03 9058 6600.