Responses to Survey Questions from Sultan Taraby
1. What are your most important priorities to increase pedestrian safety specifically in the ward you hope to represent as well as in the rest of Moreland?
My most important priority to increase pedestrian safety specifically in Moreland South Ward is to reduce the speed of vehicles overall. This will have a positive impact on safety around all schools, all pedestrian crossings, and also the areas with a high population of elderly residents of the ward who are the people involved in the majority pf accidents. I believe too that removing parking on Sydney Road would see an increase in pedestrian safety.
2. If elected, what will you do to help reduce pedestrian road trauma in Moreland?
I will introduce speed restrictions and cameras in the most built up areas and more places for pedestrians to cross safely. I will also look to increase the number of bike lanes, as well as road crossings specifically where elderly residents are, as the majority of accidents involve people over the age of 75 years.
3. What vision do you have to actively encourage older adults to walk in Moreland?
Covid-19 has been dreadful, but one good thing has come out of it and that has been making people get out and walk in their local are more. I will encourage this to continue past lockdown by maintaining the upkeep of local walkways, including adding seating/benches for older adults who may wish to rest and raising awareness to ‘keep on walking’ through a leaflet drop.
4. In what ways should Council increase its investment in the maintenance and improvements to footpaths and other outdoor public infrastructure to reduce falls injuries?
Regular/annual OH&S checks to ensure all equipment, materials, design and infrastructure meets necessary safety requirements.
5. If elected, how will you encourage Council to implement proven street design measures to reduce vehicle speeds?
By highlighting the fact that the highest proportion of pedestrian crashes/ collisions/ injuries (after the City of Melbourne 10.9%), took place in Moreland City Council. Surely reducing vehicle speeds by safer street design is vital.
6. What measures would you implement to stop speeding near schools?
I would add more traffic calming measures such as speed cameras, speed bumps and signage reminders on the approach to schools.
7. What improvements are needed for footpaths to make them safer for pedestrians after dark?
Improved street lighting and better surfacing, gritting in Winter and grass cutting in Summer etc.
8. The majority of surveyed Sydney Rd. users support the removal of all on- street parking to make way for wider footpaths and protected cycling lanes in both directions. Do you agree with this and if so, how would you work to achieve this if elected?
I agree with the majority of Sydney Rd. users and support the removal of all on-street parking to make way for wider footpaths/ protected cycling lanes in both directions. If elected, I would undertake this by ensuring more, cost-free parking options, also speeding up the very slow tram service, (helped by limiting on street parking). I would also provide more bike parking options and encourage a car-share scheme. I would also ensure deliveries to retailers were still allowed at key times/for specific periods of time.
9. What strategies are needed by Council, in collaboration with the State Government, to introduce a driver education campaign in regard to stopping for, giving way and slowing down for pedestrians at intersections, zebra crossings, school crossings and other hot spots?
I would want to see a driver education module implemented in high schools, and for all new drivers. I would also design an online driving ‘game’ along Sydney Road area that all drivers of the ward were encouraged to take to see how safely /well they drove in regard to slowing down/stopping at hot-spots etc. If they ‘passed’ they could receive an govt. incentive such as 10% discounted road tax for a year.
10. As the local population grows, so does local traffic and through traffic. How do you propose to address the competing interests of different transport users i.e. pedestrians, cyclists, private and commercial vehicle drivers and public transport (trams and buses)?
I would hold further consultation to talk with all parties, hear their views and invite their comments, with the view to reaching an agreeable solution for everyone to achieve what they need to remain prosperous and safe. (Surveys already undertaken by Vic Roads about the road usage would also be factored).
Walk on Merri-bek 