RACQ appeals to Government to act as 23 killed on roads

SINCE January 1, 23 people have been killed in accidents in the Southern police region, which includes Toowoomba.

It’s this startling number that has prompted pleas from the state’s leading motoring body for the State Government to prioritise road safety in the upcoming budget.

RACQ head of public policy Susan Furze said it was “vital” for the Government to deliver in this budget.

Ms Furze said the way to protect drivers was to accelerate road upgrades and increase visible police presence.

“Our members tell us a visible on road police presence is the most effective way to change driver behaviour and acts as a reminder of the Fatal Five,” she said.

“Safer roads also lead to fewer crashes and those in south west Queensland deserve to have good quality roads, that are well policed, to prevent further serious and fatal injuries.”

Ms Furze revealed what projects would be advocated for by RACQ in light of the budget.

“We need the State Government to deliver its share of the money to improve safety, accessibility and the condition of our regional roads, so Queenslanders don’t have to wait any longer for much-needed transport upgrades,” she said.

“In particular, we want to see safety and flood immunity works on the Carnarvon Highway, which makes up the Inland Highway Freight route alternative to the Bruce Highway, and safety upgrades to the Gore Highway and the New England Highway to the NSW border.

“There’s also a prime opportunity for the Government to take advantage of the $3 billion Federal Road Safety Program to fund and deliver low-cost, high-benefit upgrades to other roads including the Cunningham Highway, Bunya Highway, Gatton Esk Road, Gatton Clifton Road, Toowoomba Cecil Plains Road and Roma Condamine Road.

“Queenslanders expect all levels of Government to work together and get the job done.”