'Think tank' of experts in Perth aimed at cutting road toll

5/12/97

Experts from around Australia and overseas have gathered in Perth today for a unique 'think tank' aimed at cutting Western Australia's road toll.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton told 300 delegates to the special public forum that the war against road death was about to be stepped up through a massive public education and advertising campaign.

"You will see what amounts to an advertising blitz as we push for a change in behaviour and attitude on the roads," Mr Charlton said.

"While we can improve the road systems, increase enforcement, raise penalties and improve driver training, the major challenge is to create a permanent shift in road user behaviour."

Mr Charlton said $2 million had been set aside in 1997-98 for the public awareness program, which would include a range of graphic televison, radio and print advertisements.

He told the forum that the WA strategy drew heavily on data from Monash University's Accident Research Centre in Melbourne.

"Our aim is to make WA the world leader in road safety and many innovative programs have been launched, including our graduated driver training scheme which will demand higher skill levels before licences are issued," the Minister said.

Mr Charlton said new traffic fines were also about to be introduced, with penalties in most cases doubled.

The Minister said the Perth forum brought together road safety delegates from industry, Government, and the wider community, as well as research experts and strategists.

Among the experts were Max Cameron, a senior research fellow at Monash University, former NSW police traffic strategist Merv Lane and American researcher Dr Tony Stein, a world expert on intelligent transport systems.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333