Green Goals with Josh Cole

In our pursuit of faster travel times, we often overlook the true cost: the safety of our communities.

The decision to increase speed limits may seem appealing on the surface, but the risks involved far outweigh any potential rewards.

It is time to shift our focus from speed to safety and prioritise the well-being of our loved ones on the road.

Evidence clearly shows that higher speed limits lead to a higher chance of accidents and unnecessary loss of life.

The alarming number of crashes on State Highway 5 decreased significantly after the speed limit was reduced to 80km/h, preventing 34 serious incidents.

Similarly, State Highway 6 witnessed an astonishing 80 per cent reduction in fatalities by prioritizing safety over speed. These statistics highlight the detrimental impact of speed on our road toll.

It is concerning that the government appears to be fixated on faster and more dangerous roads. Evidence-based policies must take precedence over shallow soundbites.

The key to enhancing the efficiency of our transport network lies in investing in sustainable alternatives such as public transport, and rail systems for both people and freight and promoting walking and cycling to alleviate congestion.

Contrary to popular belief, increasing urban speed limits to 50km/h only saves an average of 20 seconds, whereas reversing speed limit changes on a nearly two-hour journey on State Highway 6 saves a mere four minutes.

These time savings are negligible compared to the potential risks involved. What truly matters is ensuring our loved ones arrive home safely.

We have the opportunity to create a transport network that is not only efficient but also prioritizes the well-being of its users.

By investing in sustainable transportation options, we can save people significant amounts of time while reducing the risk of accidents.

The solutions to our transportation challenges are within reach; it is time to make the necessary changes.

Let us come together as a community and advocate for a safer and more efficient transport network.

It is time to put people first and make evidence-based decisions that will have a positive and lasting impact on our roads.

Together, we can build a future where our loved ones return home safely, and our transport system prioritises the well-being of all.